Preservation Dallas Names Sarah Crain, New Executive Director

Sarah Crain has just been named the new Executive Director of Preservation Dallas. She succeeds Caroline Howard, who is retiring after presiding over the successful 25th Annual Preservation Achievement Awards.

Preservation Dallas, founded in 1972, is dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the city’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, and places. The nonprofit membership organization helps broker solutions for endangered historic properties, educates the public, and partners with neighborhoods and local and national organizations — “It champions initiatives that value the history and culture of places throughout the community, enhancing the quality of life and economic development of our great city.”

Crain most recently was the Chief Operating Officer for the former Old City Park, now known as City Park, where she previously held the positions of Deputy Director and Director of Engagement. 

I am beyond honored to accept the role of Executive Director. I look forward to leading Preservation Dallas into a vibrant future focused on community, culture, and sustainability

Sarah Crain-Executive Director of Preservation Dallas

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As the park’s Chief Operating Officer, she helped to recover 2020 revenue streams. This was part of a strategic market plan to refocus park activities towards adult programming. This plan, along with a broader marketing budget, helped recover revenue streams and, in some cases, surpass pre-pandemic revenues.

Ron Siebler has been voted in as Board President. New to the board are John Spriggins, General Manager of the South Dallas Cultural Center; Alex Martinez, P.E., Vice President and North Texas Area Manager of STV Civil Engineering; Michelle Wurtz Penton, cultural resources group lead at Versar Global Solutions; and Jonathan Rollins, Principal at GFF Architects.

I am honored to have the privilege of serving as President of Preservation Dallas. It is an organization with a long and rich legacy and an important mission. I look forward to working with all the board members and staff as we continue the critical work of advocating for and educating about cultural and historic preservation.

Ron Siebler, new Preservation Dallas Board President

Norman Alston, Jamie Slagel, Erika Huddleston, Noelle Brisson, Fred Pena, Megan Horan, and Charles Bower, who have served with distinction and made significant contributions to historic preservation, are the departing members.