Beginning a New Chapter at PGI

After decades of leadership of Preservation Greensboro Incorporated, Benjamin Briggs will be leaving his position as Executive Director to serve as President and CEO of Preservation North Carolina.

Preservation Greensboro’s Board of Directors has an updated Succession Plan, and has commenced a search for the next Executive Director.

Please join us in supporting this leadership transition! Share your thoughts on the skills, qualities, and experience you’d like to see in the next Executive Director, please send a note to Chris Carlson or Sunny Gravely.

A Letter from Benjamin Briggs, Executive Director

Dear Friends,

I am writing to inform you that I will take a new role as President and CEO of Preservation North Carolina effective this July, thereby leaving my role as executive director of Preservation Greensboro.

When I arrived at Preservation Greensboro in 2003, I could not have imagined the adventures and successes that our city’s preservation movement would accomplish in the years ahead! Our remarkable organization has diversified our income through the annual Tour of Historic Homes & Gardens, expanded memberships, and enhanced revenue sources. Since the ownership of Blandwood was transferred to us in 2011 we have curated the museum experience with new scholarship on the social history, archaeology, and our fascinating collection of decorative arts to provide a narrative that addresses complex themes of race, gender, and power. This new Blandwood research is expressed through a new publication released in 2020, and a new docent manual created in 2022-2023. With important and original pieces added to our collection and the Historic Structure Report currently underway, Blandwood is well-positioned to be among the best museums in the state to learn about North Carolina history.

When I was hired, however, I was challenged to lead the organization “beyond Blandwood” and this has been accomplished through outreach and awareness. Examples include our Walking Wednesday tour series, our Studio Traveler tours, our Love-A-Landmark fundraising events, the Hillside Designer Show House, bicycle tours, preservation advocacy, our informational blog, the reinstatement of our local Revolving Fund in 2008, the Loewenstein Legacies of 2005 and 2013, the promotion of Warnersville and South Benbow Road, and our Treasured Places Watch List. All of this work has been done with passion and excitement to promote Greensboro as a community that recognizes and celebrates its diverse history and rich architectural legacy!

I am so proud of what Greensboro’s preservation community has accomplished. My selection to lead Preservation North Carolina is testimony to the strong reputation Greensboro enjoys across our region as a leader in the movement. It is with sincere appreciation that I thank those among Greensboro’s vibrant preservation community for the opportunity to expand our services and circles and thank you for volunteering your time and support. Without a wide circle of friends and supporters, Greensboro would not hold a reputation in our state as a dynamic community where history and creativity contribute to an enhanced quality of life.

On a personal note, these times of transition sometimes result in an interruption of income as staff and board focus on preparing for “the next chapter.” Will you please consider joining me in donating to Preservation Greensboro in honor of those who have inspired you in your enthusiasm for preservation? Your gift will help ensure that the voice of historic preservation in Greensboro will remain constant and strong as the organization turns this page.

Thank you for the opportunity to be your preservation partner!

With Gratitude,

Benjamin

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A Letter from Chris Carlson, Board President and Sunny Gravely, President-Elect

After 20 years leading Preservation Greensboro, Benjamin Briggs has accepted a new role as President and CEO of Preservation North Carolina effective this July. This is a wonderful opportunity for Benjamin and we are proud and happy for him.

The board is so thankful for Benjamin’s effective leadership and passion for preservation in Greensboro. In his time at Preservation Greensboro, Benjamin has helped us become a strong preservation advocate, community steward and vibrant organization. We look forward to ushering in this exciting new chapter and wish Benjamin the best in his new endeavor.

The board will begin a search for the next Executive Director in the coming weeks. We look forward to attracting a thoughtful and growth-minded leader that excels in building collaboration across Greensboro to ensure our continued organizational success.

Please join us in supporting this leadership transition. Share your thoughts on the skills, qualities, and experience you’d like to see in the next Executive Director, or contact us if you know anyone who may be qualified to Chris Carlson and Sunny Gravely.