Sustainability in Historic Preservation Panel
Preservation practices and a sustainable future work hand in hand
About the Presenters
Rodney Rowland
Rodney Rowland is the Director of Environmental Sustainability at Strawbery Banke Museum. He began his career at this important, National Register listed site in Portsmouth over 30 years ago. Over those years, he has worked to make the museum more financially sustainable while broadening the visitor experience. His focus is now on overcoming what is, arguably, the biggest challenge the museum has ever faced, adapting for increased impacts from flooding. Part of this is public outreach and assistance. Teaching others what we do and learn at Strawbery Banke Museum so that they can, in turn, help themselves and their community.
David Reidmiller
Dr. Dave Reidmiller is the Chief Impact Officer at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Dave joined GMRI in 2020 to launch and lead a new Climate Center focused on delivering climate services to coastal and marine stakeholders. He was appointed as a climate advisor to the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition Team. Prior to joining GMRI, Dave served in a number of climate science policy positions in the federal government, including as Director of the Northeast & Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers at the U.S. Geological Survey, Director of the Fourth National Climate Assessment with the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, and as Chief Climate Scientist at the State Department where he led U.S. negotiations on science and technology for the Paris Agreement.
Johanna Lyons
Johanna Lyons is the State Park Planner and Land Use Administrator for the NH Division of Parks and Recreation. Starting her state park career as a field manager at Hampton Beach State Park she has developed her career within the Division and has been the planner since 2003. A majority of the State Park facilities are greater than 50 years old and much of the park infrastructure is eligible for the National Register. In addition, the parks contain cultural resources, special habitats and natural features. Balancing public use and stewardship of the natural and cultural resources is a daily negotiation. Ms. Lyons is a resident of Portsmouth, growing up downtown during the revitalization of Market Square.
Joie Grandbois
Joie Grandbois is the Director of Sustainability for Historic New England. Joie is a skilled storyteller who excels in conveying complex environmental concepts with clarity and passion. Born and raised in New England, she has witnessed the impacts of climate change and observed the remarkable recovery of rivers and forests due to environmental legislation. Her firsthand experience of New England’s changing climate led Joie to leverage her deep-rooted connection to the region and her background in environmental economics consulting to become a powerful advocate for environmental stewardship.
