Curious what type of preservationist you are? Take the quiz to find out!
Dearborn House Staff
Kji Kelly | Executive Director 
Type of Preservationist: Accidental
Favorite Place in Seattle: Lake Union
Best Part of My Job: Working on a team of like-minded individuals, all with the common purpose of making Seattle a better place to live through preservation.
Larry Kreisman | Program Director
Type of Preservationist: People
Favorite Place in Seattle: The Northern Life Tower (Seattle Tower). To me, it represents the most successful integration of architecture, interior design, and applied arts into a totally harmonious work of art.
Best Part of My Job: Being a catalyst for introducing long-time residents and newcomers to places and people that lead to successful partnerships and learning. I’m able to broaden public awareness and appreciation for our rich built environment.
Eugenia Woo | Director of Preservation Services
Type of Preservationist: Vocal
Favorite Place in Seattle: The Space Needle
Best Part of My Job: Working with individuals and communities to help save historic places that matter!
Naomi West | Director of Philanthropy
Type of Preservationist: Accidental
Favorite Place in Seattle: As a relative newcomer, I seem to “discover” a new one each month…for now, it’s Post Alley.
Best Part of My Job: Getting to know the favorite places and local history of our many generous supporters!
Lee Murray | Director of Finance & Administration
Type of Preservationist: People
Favorite Place in Seattle: Pike Place Market – I love the sights, smells, sounds, people watching. I love the culture and character of Seattle that it captures and communicates – to those of us who live here and also to our visitors.
Best Part of My Job: Bringing my strengths and experiences to help preserve and create spaces that support community – like the Good Shepherd Center, Washington Hall, and our affordable apartments.
David McClain | Asset & Property Manager
Type of Preservationist: Classic
Favorite Place in Seattle: Ballard. Over the course of many years it has undergone a transformation from sleepy neighborhood to bustling commercial and artistic hub, and the revitalization of the historic district along Ballard Avenue has been a major contributing factor.
Best Part of My Job: The people, of course! Historic Seattle comprises a great team of talented individuals whose work is energized with a keen sense of purpose.
Brooke Best | Preservation Advocacy Coordinator
Type of Preservationist: Green
Favorite Place in Seattle: The Good Shepherd Center. It’s more than a beautiful historic building that’s been preserved; it’s the incredible grounds, its changing use, and the many people who reap its benefits!
Best Part of My Job: All the people I meet through advocacy, and knowing that, despite the setbacks and challenges along the way, we’re doing great work that makes a difference.
Jane Davies | Bookkeeper
Type of Preservationist: People
Favorite Place in Seattle: Any park near the water
Best Part of My Job: Every day, I get to enjoy collaborating with my fun, smart, dedicated co-workers.
Bailey Hess | Philanthropy & Communications Coordinator
Type of Preservationist: Classic
Favorite Place in Seattle: The Good Shepherd Center. For me, it’s like looking at Mount Rainier. Despite seeing it a thousand times, I’m still in awe of its scale and striking beauty every time.
Best Part of My Job: Connecting with people who share a love and appreciation of historic places and discovering Seattle’s historic treasures together.
Cindy Hughes | Council Assistant & GSC Rental Coordinator
Type of Preservationist: Classic
Favorite Place in Seattle: Queen Anne Boulevard
Best Part of My Job: The opportunity to work in two very different Historic Seattle properties. My time at the more formal Dearborn House on First Hill is balanced out by my hours at the leafy and bucolic Good Shepherd Center in Wallingford. Two treasured places – and the people that I work with at both sites are valued as well.
The Good Shepherd Center Staff
Matt Murray | Building Operations Manager
Type of Preservationist: Classic
Favorite Place in Seattle: Pike Place Market. Growing up it was always an exciting place to visit, and as an adult it was a great place to go for lunch and hang out.
Best Part of My Job: The opportunity to work with a great group of people that are truly committed to preserving the historic buildings of Seattle, and the unique character of the neighborhoods throughout the city.
Tara Macdonald | Lead Gardener
Type of Preservationist: Classic
Favorite Place in Seattle: Discovery Park
Best Parts of My Job: The constant and anticipated ongoing discovery of the plant collection and garden spaces; the history of the site; the community that chose to preserve it and enjoys it now; and my co-workers who passionately help to preserve the GSC and places like it.
Jeff Hansel | Maintenance and Construction
Margaret Jackson | Custodian