26 Sep Mayor Wu Appoints Kathy Kottaridis as Director of Historic Preservation
Mayor Michelle Wu announced this week that Kathy Kottaridis will serve as the new Director of the Office of Historic Preservation, responsible for leading the City of Boston’s efforts to steward and celebrate Boston’s rich and diverse historical assets.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kathy Kottaridis as our new Director of the Office of Historic Preservation,” said Mayor Wu. “Kathy’s unparalleled experience and passion for preserving Boston’s historic places, while elevating the stories of our diverse communities, will ensure that our city’s history is honored. Under her leadership, we will continue to make historic preservation a tool for social and racial equity, celebrating our past while building a future that benefits all Bostonians.”
In her new role, Kathy will oversee the Boston Landmarks Commission, the City’s Historic District Commissions, the Archaeology Program, and the Commemoration Commission. She will drive the City’s preservation initiatives and foster collaborations among public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She will prioritize centering racial equity and community involvement in preservation processes, ensuring that Boston’s history reflects the experiences and contributions of all its residents.
Kathy will also lead the City’s commemorative efforts for significant milestones, including the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 and the 400th anniversary of Boston in 2030, ensuring these historic events are celebrated inclusively and meaningfully for all residents.
Kathy has served as the Executive Director of Historic Boston Incorporated (HBI) since 2007, where she led the rehabilitation of numerous threatened historic buildings, successfully raising more than $5 million in capital grants and overseeing development projects valued at $39.7 million. Under her leadership, HBI has transformed many of Boston’s architectural treasures into revitalized community spaces. Notable projects include the restoration of the Fowler Clark Epstein Farm, which now serves as the Urban Farming Institute’s headquarters, and the rehabilitation of the Alvah Kittredge House into affordable residential units.
“We’re thrilled for Kathy and her new role, but will deeply miss her presence and leadership at HBI,” said HBI President Michael Durand. “This marks the end of an era for the organization, but we look forward to our new horizons and continuing to work with Kathy and collaborate with the City on new preservation initiatives.”
Durand is leading a blue-ribbon committee of present and former HBI Board members who will recruit and recommend Historic Boston’s next Executive Director to HBI’s Board of Directors. They include Durand, who is principal at Back Bay Residential Group, Dr. Karilyn Crockett of MIT, Brian Awe of The Fallon Company, Kathy MacNeil of MP Boston (former HBI President), and Matthew Kiefer (former HBI President).
For more information on the upcoming search, visit HBI’s website and follow HBI on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.