MEET THE TEAM
SUSAN HOLLAND
Executive Director
she/her
Susan leads Historic Ithaca, Inc. by collaborating with the board of directors and the management team to create excitement for Historic Ithaca's mission. She enjoys working on education with the public through dialogues, lectures, tours and workshops in preservation. She is a true believer that preservation equals sustainability. As part of the CR0WD (Circularity, Reuse, Zero Waste Development) Network, she promotes salvage and works on sustainability issues with the local community to impact global climate change. Please contact Susan to discuss sponsorship opportunities at Historic Ithaca.
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.
Alison Shaff
Significant Elements Manager
she/her
Alison manages daily operations of the Significant Elements retail store and provides one-on-one retail training to Work Preserve job training participants. Alison brings with her a wealth of experience, a passion for creativity, and beyond her professional achievements, Alison is motivated by her commitment to serving the community. Her commitment to breathing new life into existing objects resonates deeply with our goals of preserving and celebrating the past while embracing creativity and innovation.
JORDAN GOVERNALE
Product & Materials Manager
he/him
Jordan leads one-on-one and small group training for Work Preserve participants in hands-on job skills by processing and repairing items for sale at Significant Elements. He oversees transportation of donated materials, provides retail support in Significant Elements, and manages Historic Ithaca’s facility maintenance projects.
GENO TOURNOUR
Work Preserve Manager
he/him
Geno joined the Historic Ithaca/Significant Elements team in November 2021 as the Work Preserve Outreach & Education Coordinator. Geno’s background is in education. He has taught high school level English on the Navajo Indian reservation and in the South Bronx. Since moving to Ithaca in 2004 he’s worked at TC3, and at Challenge Workforce Solutions as Director of Social Services programs, managing multiple contracts with DSS and a job readiness program focusing on assisting individuals with economic barriers to employment.
HANNAH BRAND
Retail Associate
she/her
Hannah Brand joined the Significant Elements team in 2022. She has a history of customer service and woodworking skills as well as a passion for working with antiques that make her a wonderful fit to help our Significant Element’s customers find the perfect piece for their home. For Hannah, the best part about her job is being able to spend her day refurbishing old treasures.
BETHANY PARISI
Assistant Director
she/her
Bethany Parisi joined the Historic Ithaca/Significant Elements team in September of 2020. Bethany's background of project management, design, product photography, and love of antiques makes her a unique asset. Every year, Historic Ithaca hosts several community-focused events that reach thousands of residents in Tompkins County, NY and beyond. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring Historic Ithaca's programming or events in 2024, please email Bethany today!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kim Hazelton, President
Linda Jaffe, Vice President
Caren Rubin, Treasurer
Abby Peterson, Secretary
Nancy Brcak
Noah Demarest
​Cindy Freidmutter
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Margaret Hobbie
Dan Hoffman
Neha Khanna
Jeff Mariani
Jenni Minner
Martha Preston
Dennis Stein
Tania Werbizky
Historic Ithaca, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Historic Ithaca, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Historic Ithaca, Inc. expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of our employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.