A few weeks ago, the National Trust for Historic Preservation shared the news of the successful completion of the Campaign for America’s National Treasures, ultimately a $305 million effort to protect and celebrate the places where America’s history happened. Through the campaign we completed our 5-year strategic plan and have made critical investments in our National Trust Historic Sites; launched almost one hundred National Treasure advocacy campaigns; advanced research and policy critical to America’s cities through our ReUrbanism Initiative; and launched our African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.

It is against this backdrop of success that I have decided now is the right time to pass the baton to the next leader of the National Trust. I will be stepping down in December, and our Board of Trustees will begin a search this month for the organization’s next president.

The campaign itself—the largest ever in the Trust’s history—exceeded its goal by $105 million and achieved many new philanthropic milestones for our organization, with four gifts of $10 million or more and 26 greater than $1 million. Thank you for all that you did to make this achievement possible.

Yet the end of a campaign is a natural inflection point for any organization, and I believe that the best time for a transition is now so that my successor can take the reins at this moment of strength and build toward an even stronger future.

The most difficult part of my decision will be leaving an institution I deeply admire and colleagues, trustees, volunteers, and donors with whom I have loved collaborating. The Trust's members and supporters are the foundation of the organization, and it has been a privilege to meet so many of you and share in your passion for preservation. It has been a tremendous adventure and the gift of a lifetime to work with our entire community, which will always have my affection, my gratitude, and my support.

Stephanie