News from our Executive Director

May 23

Stephanie Whitlock will soon be stepping down as Executive Director of the Bosco-Milligan Foundation/Architectural Heritage Center. Stephanie joined our organization in 2016, and while we are sad to see her go, we are excited for her to take this next step in her career to the Oregon Community Foundation, where she will continue to serve non-profits in the Portland metro area and beyond.

Read Stephanie’s departure letter below.

May 24, 2023

Dear AHC members and supporters,

It’s bittersweet to let you know that I am stepping down as Executive Director of the Bosco-Milligan Foundation/Architectural Heritage Center, effective June 3. The time has come for the organization to enter its next chapter and for me to take the next step in my career. I will be joining the Oregon Community Foundation, where I will continue to serve non-profits in the Portland metro area and beyond.

It’s been an honor to serve the organization. When I first visited the Architectural Heritage Center in 2016, I walked into the beautiful lobby of the West’s Block Building and was immediately drawn to the organization, its accomplishments, and its possibilities. I knew I was stepping into a big role that had been filled by a respected, long-time founding director, Cathy Galbraith, but I also understood that my role would be an important and essential one. For the next seven years, it was a privilege to be the Executive Director and transition the organization through its next stage of opportunities, evolution, and expansion.

I’ve been pleased to lead the organization through many exciting accomplishments, like a major project to research and document African American properties in Portland that was listed on the National Register for Historic Places; major exhibits, such as the show on photographer Minor White that won an Oregon Heritage Excellence Award, Black Domain, and the first-ever exhibit on the history of Portland’s preservation movement that is opening this summer; and a multi-year initiative to reorganize and relocate our holdings of architectural artifacts to address long-time challenges with the large collection.

During my tenure, we adopted new frameworks and approaches to bring more diversity and equity to historic preservation and to pursue the important task of broadening the base of participants in historic preservation: a strategic plan centered on expanding and diversifying supporters; the first committee on inclusion/diversity/equity/accessibility and the adoption of an equity stance to guide our work; the development of more inclusive fundraising models; and the cultivation of new projects and partnerships with organizations and individuals across Portland.

The pandemic was an unexpected challenge that threw many curve balls our way. While recovery is ongoing, our organization withstood its worst impacts and even came out stronger in some ways.

With the commitment and passion of supporters like you, as well as that of our dedicated Board of Directors, advisors, staff, and volunteers, the organization is ready to begin its next phase. We have put into place many things that make for a promising future — strong financial footing, recent new endowments, sound operations and internal processes, and a capable staff.

A leadership transition plan is underway, and I am working with our board to make the transition as smooth as possible. Rest assured, the organization is in good hands.

I am excited to stay involved in the Bosco-Milligan Foundation/Architectural Heritage Center as a member, donor, and volunteer. I expect to see many of you again soon, perhaps on a walking tour or at a program!

Best regards,

Stephanie Whitlock