The Influential Nonprofit

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation: Creating Productive Board Relationships!

Episode Notes

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation promotes the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.  Its mission is fulfilled through educational programs, preservation projects, technical assistance, and advocacy. Executive Director Samantha Bosshart and Membership & Programs Director Nicole Babie join me today from their office in Upstate New York.

Samantha has over 25 years of experience in the field of historic preservation.  Since 2008 she has served as the Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and has previously worked at Historic Albany Foundation and Galveston Historical Foundation. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Indiana University and completed her coursework for a Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University.  She currently serves as the vice chair and chair of the governance committee for the National Preservation Partners Network; Adirondack Architectural Heritage; and Discover Saratoga, the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau.

Nicole has been with the Foundation for 6 years and has her Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University where she focused in museum education and exhibition design. Nicole is also a graduate of Hartwick College with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, focus in painting and photography, and Art History. She serves on the board of directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Hudson-Mohawk Chapter and currently serves as the Communications Chair and President-Elect.

Key Takeaways:

• Once you get the right people in place, the whole organization becomes much better to maintain. 
• Giving donors a tour, to see how they’re support is impacting the community is a good way to show progress and encourage and motivate people. 
• It’s important to keep a fun and friendly atmosphere even in board meetings. Organizations will always work much more smoothly if people like each other so it’s important to facilitate a good environment. 
• Having a project can get people hyped up and motivated to support, it doesn’t have to be a big project. Progress makes people excited. 

“It’s amazing, and we let them know. The staff follows up to let the members know that the efforts that they do - they mean something… it takes a lot of coordinating… the end result has been a game-changer for our organization” - Nicole Babie

Reach out to Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaratogaSpringsPreservationFoundation 

Website: www.saratogapreservation.org 

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