Kelly Rich, an experienced preservationist and community leader
to head Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – (January 30, 2018) — Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR) has hired Kelly Rich as the organization’s new executive director, effective Feb. 19. Rich comes to SPAR with more than 10 years of experience as an active preservationist, community leader and event planner.
“We were very lucky to find such an experienced and accomplished advocate to help carry SPAR as we continue our momentum,” said Todd Hollinghead, president of the board of directors. “Our previous executive directors set high standards for our new director, but after an extensive, nationwide search, we are delighted Kelly agreed to join us. She is the perfect fit for SPAR as our neighborhood grows both in number of active residents and commercially.”
Rich will lead SPAR’s activities and efforts making Historic Springfield a preferred place in which to live and do business. She will lead programs that drive the preservation, revitalization and balanced growth of the community.
Rich comes to SPAR with more than 10 years of experience as an active preservationist. Most recently, she served as the executive director of the Highland Area Partnership, which gives a voice to the historic Highland neighborhood of Shreveport, La., through the annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival. Rich has had training with the National Trust of Historic Preservation along with the Main Street Institute. She was a regular Shreveport representative for a multitude of historic preservation, community revitalization and urban development meetings, conferences and organizations across the state.
“I am very excited to join SPAR Council and look forward to getting to know this growing, close-knit community as a Springfield resident,” Rich said. “I look forward to using my experience in marketing, sales, fundraising and event planning at this vital time in Springfield’s redevelopment. Interest from potential residents and business owners is higher than it has been in 60 years, builders are constructing new homes across the community and long dilapidated homes are undergoing renovation. This couldn’t be a more exciting time to take the helm of an organization like SPAR, and I am excited to work with the organization’s strong board of directors to take Springfield to the next level.”
Rich’s first special event will be the 40th Annual Historic Springfield Tour of Homes on May 19 and 20, 2018, featuring 8 unique homes within walking or biking distance of each other.
Read more about Rich's work as a preservationist, catalyst and community builder.
About Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) Council
Since 1974, Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) has facilitated positive change in the Springfield historic district through a variety of roles and initiatives. SPAR’s goals for Historic Springfield include preservation of Jacksonville’s oldest existing neighborhood, architecture and historic streetscapes, development and maintenance of a comfortable community environment, revitalization of our commercial corridor, advocacy and representation on issues affecting our community and most importantly, the facilitation of a connected, close-knit base of neighbors who work together to celebrate living in one of Jacksonville’s fastest growing, up-and-coming communities.
For more information about SPAR, explore this website, follow our social media (@sparjax), sign up for our newsletter or contact us directly.
Press release by Point Taken.
Photo credit: Renee Parenteau Photography