MEET THE TEAM
ZACHARY LIFTON
Executive Director
he/him
Zachary is a culture and heritage aficionado with a passion for education, preservation and the arts. He joins Historic Ithaca with a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on the future and the many powerful ways people engage with their own pasts. Zach is an Ithaca native, returning to his homeland after 15+ years of leadership in the cultural sector in New York City, Portland, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee.
Zach was the driving force behind saving Milwaukee's last-standing traditional book bindery in 2017, transforming it into a historic book arts center he then owned and operated for eight years (The Bindery). He led the adaptive reuse of the suffering building, restored dozens of pieces of century-old equipment, taught hundreds of classes to all ages, and worked adamantly with area partners to creatively engage the public with the history of the craft and neighborhood.
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Previously, Zach served as the inaugural manager for CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia's community space and programming centered on preservation, culture, and the arts. He holds an MS in Historic Preservation from Columbia University as well as a BA in Arts Management from Bennington College. Zach would love to speak with you about classes, tours, and other engagement activities, as well as ways of offering Historic Ithaca your generous support. Please reach out at any time!
CHRISTINE O'MALLEY, PhD
Preservation Services Director
she/her
Christine leads Historic Ithaca’s efforts in education, advocacy, and community engagement and consults with home and property owners, businesses, city and county government officials, and educators. She has worked on local designations of properties and National Register nominations. As part of the CR0WD (Circularity, Reuse, Zero Waste Development) working group, she participates in efforts to promote salvage and sustainability in our community.
Please contact her with your preservation questions or project research needs.
MONICA BURKE
Work Preserve Trainer
she/her
Monica started her work with Significant Elements as a volunteer but it was quickly decided that she would be an incredible trainer for our Work Preserve Program. In addition to her experience working in building maintenance and construction, she brings a vast knowledge of antique hardware, lighting, and welding to the team. As a trainer in the Work Preserve program she teaches participants a variety of tool skills while working on projects like lighting restoration that directly connect them to the ethos of preservation.
Interim Retail Manager
he/him
EMORY BRAND
Emory Brand joined the Significant Elements team in 2022. With a history of customer service and woodworking skills, as well as a passion for working with antiques, this position is a wonderful fit to help our Significant Elements customers find the perfect piece for their home. For Emory, the best part of the day is spent refurbishing old treasures.
RAIN BEEBE
Retail Associate
he/him
New Roots graduate Rain is helping Significant Elements shoppers before becoming a student at University of Rochester. He started out in the Work Preserve program here at Historic Ithaca in 2022. Loving the atmosphere and learning opportunities, he reapplied to become a part of the Significant Elements team.
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Abby Peterson, President
Nancy Brcak, Vice President
Caren Rubin, Treasurer
​Cindy Freidmutter, Secretary
Noah Demarest
Kristen V. Olson
Chris Sponn
Jeff Marianni
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Margaret Hobbie
Dan Hoffman
Neha Khanna
Jenni Minner
Martha Preston
Dennis Stein
Tania Werbizky