Michael Haskins, an experienced non-profit leader 
to head Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – (March 31, 2023) — Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR) has hired Michael Haskins as the organization’s new executive director, effective April 3rd. Haskins comes to SPAR with more than 10 years of experience as an education and non-profit leader.

"Michael not only brings valuable leadership experience to the organization, but also a fresh perspective," said Kelly Lezama, President of SPAR board of directors. "Springfield has grown tremendously over the last decade, with even greater potential in the years to come. Michael will help us navigate the journey in a thoughtful and inclusive way, both as an organization and as a community."

Haskins will lead SPAR’s activities and efforts making Historic Springfield a preferred place in which to live and do business. He will lead programs that drive the preservation, revitalization and balanced growth of the community.

Kelly Rich, Executive Director of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) Council, announced that she will be stepping down from her position effective Nov 25, 2022.

Rich has served in this capacity since 2018, acting as a diligent advocate for the Springfield Historic District and advancing the mission of the organization. The community and SPAR are extremely grateful for her contributions and look forward to building on the many successes of her tenure moving forward.

"My time with SPAR has been more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined. The staff, board of directors, donors, members, and volunteers have all been such enthusiastic supporters. I hope my leadership has been as impactful to the community as the community has been to me"

 - Kelly Rich, SPAR Executive Director 

During Rich's five year tenure with SPAR:

> Membership grew over 300%.

> Popular activities like Explore the Core and Music on Main were introduced, continuing the organization’s commitment to free, accessible community programming.

> Over 20 new small businesses opened in Springfield, with SPAR awarding over $35k in grants to assist with facade improvements and pandemic impacts.

> A $500k capital campaign to restore SPAR's Main Street office was successfully completed.

> SPAR celebrated Springfield’s 150th anniversary by transforming a highly visible vacant lot into a popular community greenspace, Sesquicentennial Park.

> Jacksonville PorchFest grew to over 20K attendees; named Best Festival in Jacksonville.

> SPAR received awards from LISC Jacksonville, Jacksonville Business Journal, WJXT News4Jax and City of Jacksonville.

> Rich was honored as a 2022 Women of Influence by the Jacksonville Business Journal.

"Kelly brought a fresh perspective with unique ideas that helped SPAR grow its community programming, business districts, and our signature event - Jacksonville PorchFest. Over the past five years, she's not only been a valued colleague, she's become family. I'm excited for her next chapter, and I am confident the future of Historic Springfield will be great because of the mark she left on it." - Tim Hope, SPAR President 

Rich will be moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas, in her new role as Director of Downtown Initiatives for Experience Fayetteville.

SPAR will conduct a search for an Executive Director, with more information about that opportunity to be shared soon.

Media inquiries: 904.353.7727 - [email protected]