Trenton, NJ – The Board of Directors of Preservation New Jersey is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Manz as the organization’s Executive Director. Preservation New Jersey is a statewide member-supported non-profit that promotes the economic vitality, sustainability, and heritage of New Jersey’s diverse communities through advocacy and education on historic preservation.
Manz, an economic development and tourism professional with a Masters in City and Regional Planning from the Edward J. Bloustein School at Rutgers will succeed Courtenay Mercer who has served in the part-time consulting role since 2017.
Mercer, who raised the profile of the organization immensely with a redesigned website, robust marketing around the group’s annual 10 Most Endangered Historic Places list, and spearheaded Preservation New Jersey’s mini-documentary Saved or Lost Forever states, ”It’s been a rewarding experience working with a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving NJ’s historic resources for generations to come. I know I am leaving the organization in good hands with Emily, whom I have admired for a number of years for her energy in marketing and promoting NJ’s downtowns.”
Barton Ross, President of the Preservation New Jersey Board of Trustees stated, “Courtenay has done an excellent job spearheading our increased education and preservation outreach efforts around the state. This includes numerous speaking engagements, implementing our strategic plan, and facilitating recognition of our 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in NJ program. We thank her and wish her all the best as she pursues new professional opportunities.” Ross continued, “We are very excited to welcome Emily, who is already familiar with PNJ’s work and brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership, place branding, and event planning experience, which we hope to capitalize on as we continue to move the organization forward.”
Manz started her career at Newark’s economic development agency before transitioning to work in economic development consulting – first with a firm in New York and then through her own company EMI Strategy based in Newark. Manz also co-founded and built Have You Met Newark Tours – a 7+ year old tour operation offering fun, informative tours of Newark’s history and current vibrancy to residents, visitors, students, and corporate clients.
Manz states, “I am excited to bring my deep-rooted appreciation for learning, understanding and sharing American history and a wealth of experience in events, tourism, and planning to this role. Preservation New Jersey has such a powerful brand. Through new and creative events, more frequent programming, and a continuation of our strong advocacy role – I want to engage with and grow the audience of people committed to historic preservation in our state.”
Founded in 1978, Preservation New Jersey is a statewide member-supported non-profit historic preservation organization. PNJ promotes the economic vitality, sustainability, and heritage of New Jersey’s diverse communities through advocacy and education on historic preservation.Preservation New Jersey publishes the annual 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in NJ list, which draws attention to remarkable sites and to their many challenges; advocates for sound public policy at the local, state and federal levels on behalf of the historic preservation community in New Jersey; conducts tours, workshops, lectures and conferences to educate the public about historic sites and preservation and sustainability issues; and hosts and maintains the Business Industry Network which provides a clearinghouse and network of technical expertise.
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