Preserving Together w/ Carol Quillen

This week I’m joined by Carol Quillen, President & CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Carol became the 10th president in 2024 and brings a fresh perspective from her career in academia, including over a decade as president of Davidson College.

Together we explore how preservation is not about saying “no” to change, but about creating opportunities, building community connections, and shaping a more sustainable future. Carol shares her journey, clears up common misconceptions, and highlights how preservation can spark economic growth, civic engagement, and even climate resilience.

We also talk about the power of adaptive reuse, storytelling, and local partnerships—from rural towns to urban neighborhoods—that make preservation a catalyst for inclusion and resilience.

✨ If you’re curious about how the past can fuel stronger communities and a brighter future, this episode is for you!

Links:

11 Most endangered list: America's Most Endangered Historic Places | National Trust for Historic PreservationPreserving Black Churches: https://savingplaces.org/black-churches Action Fund: African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund | National Trust for Historic PreservationHOPE Crew: HOPE Crew | National Trust for Historic PreservationNTHP Main Street program: Main Street America :: HomeRepurpose Capital: RePurpose CapitalNTCIC: NTCIC | National Trust Community Investment CorporationWoodlawn Mansion: Woodlawn Historic Overview — Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey HouseTED Talk the dangers of a single story : Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED TalkNTHP Grants Programs webpage: https://savingplaces.org/grantsNTHP Action Center: https://savingplaces.org/action-centerTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music

Bio: Carol Quillen is the 10th President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and joined the National Trust in January 2024.

Carol brings to the National Trust a deep appreciation of history, and a distinguished career leading academic institutions. Prior to the National Trust, she served as the 18th president of Davidson College (2011-2022).

Nationally, Carol is a founding member of the American Talent Initiative (ATI), a consortium that aims to graduate annually 50,000 additional low- and moderate-income students from the