Bonnie McDonald, Executive Director

bmcdonald@mnpreservation.org
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Bonnie McDonald discovered her passion for historic preservation in 1997 while attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in art history. Internships and employment opportunities with the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the Minnesota Historical Society guided Bonnie toward a career in historic preservation advocacy. Bonnie gained additional experience in preservation advocacy by working with Preservation Action in Washington, DC, and at the Preservation League of New York State as its first public policy intern.

She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, and in January of 2008, Bonnie received her Master of Arts degree in City and Regional Planning, specializing in historic preservation planning, from Cornell University.

In 2002, Bonnie became the executive director of the Anoka County Historical Society in Anoka, Minnesota. She continued to pursue historic preservation as a member of the Midwest Preservation Institute advisory committee and the National Trust for Historic Preservation 2007 Conference Steering Committee. In November of 2005, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota hired Bonnie as its executive director fulfilling a dream she had pursued since interning with the organization in 1998.

Erin Hanafin Berg, Field Representative

ehberg@mnpreservation.org

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Erin Hanafin Berg brings over fifteen years of hands-on preservation experience to her role as Field Representative for the Preservation Alliance. Erin was born and raised in Saint Paul, and she credits daily school bus rides along Summit Avenue with instilling in her a love of historic buildings at a very early age. Erin graduated from Saint Olaf College in Northfield with majors in Studio Art and Norwegian and a self-designed concentration in Architectural Studies. After college, she studied traditional arts and handcrafts in Norway before enrolling in the Historic Preservation program at the University of Oregon, Eugene in 1994.

Erin completed her Master’s thesis, a survey and analysis of post-World War II basement houses in southeastern South Dakota, in August 1997. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she was hired as a staff person to the Memphis Landmarks Commission. Her daily work consisted of design review for Memphis’s eleven locally designated historic districts, but she was also in charge of special projects, such as the Commission’s annual preservation awards, a poster contest for high school artists, and the quarterly newsletter. She also volunteered with Memphis Heritage, the local non-profit preservation organization, and served on the historic committee of the Vollintine-Evergreen Community Association.

In 2004, Erin moved with her husband, an architect, and two children back to her home city of Saint Paul. She was employed for three years as a historian with Hess, Roise and Company, where she worked on projects both in the Twin Cities metro area and in greater Minnesota. Erin began her position with the Alliance in July 2008.

Will O’Keefe, Administrative Assistant

wokeefe@mnpreservation.org
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Will O’Keefe comes to us from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, DC where he served as the Program Assistant in the Legal Department. Although not a preservationist when he started; his participation on a task force focused on saving Charity Hospital in New Orleans solidified his interest in historic preservation and urban planning.

Will joined the ranks of Minnesotans last year and has a newfound appreciation for flannel, hot dish, and walleye. Prior to accepting the Administrative Assistant position at the Alliance will served as a volunteer on the Advocacy Committee and as the Intern for the Minnesota Main Street program.

Will graduated from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio in 2007 with degrees in History and Religious Studies.

Emily Northey, Minnesota Main Street Program Coordinator

enorthey@mnpreservation.org
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Emily brings to the Minnesota Main Street Program Coordinator position a wealth of on-the-ground experience having built the local Brainerd Main Street program from the ground up as its Coordinator for the past three years.  Her excitement for the opportunity to lead the nation’s newest statewide coordinating program was evident.  “I have been passionate about understanding and revitalizing historic commercial districts since my senior thesis at Macalester,” said Emily in applying for the position. “Historic downtowns are the heart of their communities. These downtowns are central to a town’s identity for residents, visitors, and prospective businesses. For the future health of a community, it is critical that they have a vibrant downtown true to their unique history.”

Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies and political science from Macalester College.  She had previously participated in the National Trust Main Street Center’s Main Street Basic Training while administering her local program.  Proficient in Spanish, Emily is also proficient in the language of Main Street and how it can catalyze positive change for our historic communities.

The Minnesota Main Street Program is recognized by the National Trust Main Street Center® as the official statewide coordinating program in Minnesota. The Minnesota Main Street Program has been financed in part with funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.

Marvel Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator

manderson@mnpreservation.org
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Marvel Anderson is a retired educator, having taught American History in the Minnesota Public Schools Districts of Willmar, Moorhead, Pipestone, and Richfield.

From 1981 to 2002, Marvel lived in Prescott, WI where she served as a member of the local Heritage Preservation Committee for six years; as the local historical society president for eight years; and also served as regional representative, vice-president and president of the statewide Wisconsin Council for Local History over a five year period.

In 1991, after working as the Editorial Researcher for the Midwest Field Editor of the Meredith Corporation for three years, Marvel was hired as the first staff person for the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota and held this part time position until October 2000. Since 2000, Marvel has continued her involvement with PAM, becoming the organization’s volunteer coordinator. In this capacity, Marvel ensures that all PAM events and activities are properly staffed with volunteers. Marvel also assists office operations and supports the work of the executive director.

Marvel is currently a second term member of the State Review Board for the State Historic Preservation Office of Minnesota.