Challenge
The Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities (SPLIA) in Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island, in New York State, was losing its long-time and highly respected director to retirement. Well-known as an early and innovative pace-setter in historic preservation, SPLIA is the foremost preservation advocate and resource on Long Island, overseeing three historic properties, a strong collection of decorative arts and well-regarded education, advocacy and publishing programs.
For SPLIA’s next phase it was necessary to redefine the organization’s goals and objectives for its future growth. The new incumbent would have the experience to lead the process of developing a long range strategic plan within three months of his or her arrival and direct its implementation. In addition, significant knowledge about and commitment to preservation and advocacy were essential.
Solution
We conducted an extensive nation-wide search, developing our sourcing and recruitment lists from our database of professional contacts in the field and from wide-reaching posting of the position. We were able to present to the Search Committee several highly-qualified candidates who knew and respected the organization’s reputation and work. In the end, Alexandra Wolfe, who had already been highly effective as Director of Preservation services at SPLIA for several years, was selected as the next Director. Alexandra clearly emerged as the candidate with the greatest knowledge and expertise to take SPLIA forward with a vibrant and growing mission. Alexandra has a Master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and a Bachelor’s from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. She has previous experience as Executive Director of the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, New York and as an independent preservation consultant.
