Maxine Lutz has been named executive director of the Historic Beaufort Foundation, almost six months after the last head of the preservationist group stepped down.
Lutz has been interim director since Julie Good resigned in August. Lutz has worked with the foundation for 15 years, under four directors, and also served as interim director in 2010 before Good was hired.
"We are pleased Maxine has accepted her new responsibilities, for which she is well-prepared," board Chairman Conway Ivy said in a news release. "Her passion for preservation and knowledge of Beaufort's historical treasures, coupled with her extensive knowledge of Beaufort's people, its institutions and her professional, friendly demeanor will make her an effective leader of the foundation."
Lutz is a former journalist, and her other nonprofit work has been with groups dealing with HIV-AIDS education and tree protection. She also is chairwoman of the Old Commons Neighborhood Association.
Her goals include getting the foundation more involved in hands-on preservation projects; more support to property owners for using best preservation practices; and fostering a spirit of cooperation when it comes to development.
"As infill and adaptive reuse of existing buildings are proposed, I want to encourage all parties to work together," Lutz said in an email to The Beaufort Gazette. She noted the foundation has often been labeled "the party of no," even though it has just one vote on the city's Design Review Board.
"I want to see that we are portrayed as a go-to source for helping to create the best and most appropriate projects," she wrote. "I want to encourage people to come talk to us."
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