As Sarasota County continues to grow and evolve, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation is expanding its capacity to ensure the region’s history remains part of its future.
The 41-year-old nonprofit has adopted a new three-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening the organization and expanding its reach. The plan marks a significant shift for SAHP, including a move from an all-volunteer working board to a professionally staffed organization and the hiring of its first full-time executive director. Erin DiFazio, SAHP’s first paid employee, currently serves as managing director of the Sarasota Preservation Program (SP2), overseeing its low-cost revolving loan and preservation easement programs.
As SAHP expands its leadership team, the
executive director will oversee organization-wide operations, including SP2 and SAHP’s core advocacy and education missions, and guide expanded programming and community impact.
The strategic plan grew out of a monthslong process that brought together board members, staff, preservationists, donors, volunteers and community partners. Led by Christie Nolan of Mission Matters Consulting, the planning was supported by a $7,500 matching Capacity Building Grant awarded by the Edward K. Roberts Emerging Needs Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The SAHP board formally adopted the plan on July 15.
“Preserving our history is essential as Sarasota County continues to grow,” says Tom McArdle, SAHP secretary and treasurer. “This grant, and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s ongoing support, will help drive historic preservation efforts that are needed now more than ever.”
McArdle says that the Community Foundation has supported SAHP’s preservation work for several years, awarding the organization $47,500 in grants since 2023.
“As Sarasota continues to grow and change, we have an opportunity to play a larger role in preservation, education and outreach,” McArdle says. “This plan gives us a clear path forward and positions us to make a greater impact.”
As SAHP begins putting the plan into action, the organization is also seeking new board members and volunteers to help with its work. For more information, contact SAHP at sahp.mailbox@gmail.com or visit PreserveSrq.org.
Incorporated in 1985, SAHP advocates for the historic buildings, archaeological sites, and cultural resources that give Sarasota County its sense of place. The organization spearheads programs including the annual Six to Save list, the County Heritage Awards Program, and an historic preservation easement and revolving loan program, working with property owners and the community to help save endangered historic resources.
Submitted by Su Byron
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota historic preservation group plans major expansion
