WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Executive Director Travis Gilbert of the Historic Wilmington Foundation announced his resignation during a press conference on Friday.
“Gilbert served as HWF’s eighth executive director in the 57-year-old organization’s history and was hired in January of 2021. His tenure as executive director will be remembered for increased equity in the organization’s projects, exceptional historic scholarship, tireless advocacy on behalf of the region’s historic resources, and expansion of the organization’s partnerships, particularly with conservation and affordable housing advocates,” HWF wrote in a press release.
During his tenure, Gilbert was able to ensure HWF’s Preservation Equity Fund removed two houses from the City of Wilmington’s Demolition by Neglect list to preserve generational wealth in the historic districts as well as partnering with Giblem Lodge to secure the historic Masonic Lodge’s envelope, which helped ensure the lodge could build capacity for its revitalization.
“This has been about a decade of involvement with the Historic Wilmington Foundation and of course leading a decade of organization which you’ve poured your heart and soul into it leaves you a little sad, but I’m also as equally as excited,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert will serve as Director of Philanthropy for the Old Baldy Foundation, the non-profit that preserves the state’s oldest-standing lighthouse and will be working with Capital Development Services for the structure’s future.
“On behalf of the Historic Wilmington Foundation’s trustees, staff, and membership, I want to thank Travis for his service to our community as executive director and wish him well during his future endeavors,” said Stephanie Bolton, HWF President. “It is no surprise that Travis’ new role continues his tireless work for historic preservation, and we look forward to hearing of his continued success.”
The foundation’s Board of Trustees appointed Isabelle Shepherd as interim executive director during their June 6 meeting.
Updates regarding the executive director search can be found on their website.
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