Macon Magazine

April/May 2026 | maconmagazine.com 85 in the South. The following year when I was applying for jobs, there was an opening at Historic Macon Foundation for a special events and marketing coordinator. I applied and the rest, they say, is history. Returning to an organization you're already familiar with is unique. What perspective are you bringing back that you didn't have before? When I first started at Historic Macon, I knew I was working for an organization that was a national leader and model in the preservation community, but I did not appreciate what it takes to achieve that reputation. Having worked at NewTown Macon during a time when the organization built on early successes and cemented its role as a national leader in downtown development, I had the privilege to be part of telling that story and building systems that accelerated NewTown's success. I witnessed firsthand how habits, intention, and relationships are critical to solving shared problems. I aim to apply those lessons to this new chapter at Historic Macon. What's one place in Macon you feel especially connected to, and why? Downtown has been the center of my life since I moved here — it's where I socialize, work, and worship. Downtown is where I fell in love with Macon and where I saw firsthand Macon's ability to solve seemingly insurmountable problems. When I first moved to Macon, storefront occupancy was about 50% and there were about 200 completed lo s, but you could feel that downtown had turned a corner and growth was possible. Fast forward 10 years later to a downtown with 80% storefront occupancy, with nearly 30% of those businesses being Black-owned, and 830 lo s, which led to us winning the Great American Main Street Award. For most of my career, I have been dedicated to helping others experience and see what I have in Downtown Macon, and it will always be where I choose to spend my time and dollars in our locally owned businesses. HMF has played a major role in shaping the city's built environment. How do you see its mission evolving under your leadership? Historic Macon will continue to do what it does best — revitalizing communities by preserving architecture and sharing history. In the coming months and year, you will see Historic Macon getting back to neighborhood revitalization work at full scale alongside community partners that we have worked with in the past, and some that we are working with for the first time. As we evaluate past models for neighborhood revitalization in Huguenin Heights, Tattnall Square Heights, and Beall's Hill, there are opportunities to add new elements to our work. I am particularly excited about the possibility of integrating commercial property development into our neighborhood work alongside residential development. Who are some influences who have shaped your time in Macon? In particular have any women leaders helped guide the way for you? When I first arrived in Macon without knowing a single person, I assumed my education and experience would drive success in my role. What I quickly learned is that relationships and the ability to find common ground are what truly move an organization's mission forward. I saw that modeled every day by my former bosses, Ethiel Garlington, Alex Morrison, Josh Rogers, and James Fritze. I am fortunate to have learned from the best. Beyond those mentors, what has kept me fulfilled and committed to Macon is the community of peers who have shaped my career, especially my female colleagues and friends. From my time at Historic Macon and NewTown Macon, leaders like Erin Keller, Lauren Marshall, Trish Whitley, and Carrie Robinson have been constant sources of support and advice. And truly, I could name dozens more. Macon is filled with leaders who are generous with their time and their expertise, and we are committed to developing young leaders. Macon has seen a lot of momentum in recent years. Where do you see the biggest opportunities (and risks!) when it comes to preserving what makes the city distinct? This is a special moment in time for Macon, where we do have great momentum, but Maconites are still able to purchase and own real estate. In turn, that ensures the city experience is driven by locals. Preserving Macon's identity depends on affordability and access while expanding opportunities for local ownership, especially homeownership, so that the people who live here can continue to shape the future of our community. Historic Macon plays a critical role in ensuring that there is available housing stock, whether that's historic homes or new construction, for buyers and prioritizing owner-occupants who will be invested in their neighborhoods and Macon. This philosophy has driven our success so far, and it's something Historic Macon will stay committed to in the years to come. How do you hope the average Maconite engages with HMF, even if they don't see themselves as "preservationists" or "old house people"? I hope the average Maconite can recognize the beauty of our historic neighborhoods and downtown and appreciate that beauty, in large part, is due to our historic architecture and built environment. I hope when they see that, they think of Historic Macon and that Macon is fortunate to have an organization that has been actively preserving and investing in our historic districts for over 60 years. I also hope they would take advantage of our educational programming, whether that's a Rose Hill Ramble, a Sidney's Salon, or a tour of a historic home or neighborhood. Macon has great stories to tell, and Historic Macon works to upli those stories with engaging and meaningful events. Finally, I love the HMF flea market so much. What's your best flea market find? Me, too — it has been my favorite event of the year ever since I moved to Macon! I always say that 75% of my house has been furnished by the flea market, so I have a lot of finds to choose from. But my favorite is my dining room table. It's a beautiful mid-century modern mahogany table with scalloped edges that sits eight, with cane back chairs that have white leather seats. In the past year I have been intentional about hosting gatherings of different sizes in my home, and I love that it has become a centerpiece of bringing people together. "I fell in love with Macon and where I saw firsthand Macon's ability to solve seemingly insurmountable problems."

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