CPA is pleased to announce that our speaker will be Patricia Gay, Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans.

Mrs. Gay has served as Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans since 1980 and has been a powerful advocate for promoting the preservation of New Orleans’ historic architecture, neighborhoods, economic development and tourism. She was a volunteer with the organization since its founding in 1974 before becoming the Executive Director.

Under her leadership the organization has developed many successful and creative strategies and programs to enhance the historic built environment, reversing decline and deterioration and stimulating economic development, including cultural tourism development. The PRC, a citywide non-profit organization, has a staff of more than 45 and works with volunteers and neighborhood associations throughout the city.

An important voice at the state, local, and federal levels, Mrs. Gay supports preservation legislation to protect historic resources. Efforts include saving the federal tax credit for historic rehabilitation, opposing demolitions, creating a property tax abatement for historic home renovation, and encouraging numerous planning and zoning measures favorable to historic neighborhoods.

Mrs. Gay’s civic involvement has mirrored her passion for preservation and has included service to organizations such as: National Center for Preservation Training and Technology, Preservation Action, Louisiana Preservation Alliance, Presidential Roundtable on Preservation and Neighborhoods, Greater New Orleans Black Tourism Network, State Tourism Development Commission, and the Council for International Visitors.  She has been sponsored by the U.S. State Department to work with preservationists in Indonesia, and has been involved with preservationists from many different countries.

Mrs. Gay believes strongly in the universal importance of historic preservation, she has been published in several books and is frequently quoted in preservation commentary.

To make reservations contact CPA at 513-721-4506. 

Updated:  June 2, 2010