Open Call for Board of Trustees
For over 60 years Greater Portland Landmarks has worked to protect Portland’s heritage, strengthen its identity, and foster a vibrant, livable community. As we look to the future with a bold new strategic plan, among our key priorities is to build a robust, diverse, and representative board of trustees, staff, and constituency. This inaugural Open Call for trustees seeks to expand our board with new voices and experiences to support our dynamic mission and advance our strategic plan.
All are encouraged to submit interest in joining our Board of Trustees.
Submit interest through completing the Open Call Interest Form.
Interest Forms accepted through March 13, 2025.
More information about the process is below.
Questions? Please email Kate Lemos McHale or call 207-358-7065
Founded in the wake of the demolition of Union Station, GPL has served greater Portland for over 60 years, protecting its identity, character, and sense of place. Trustees become part of the legacy and help ensure that Portland’s historic quality endures.
Our Board of Trustees represents a variety of professional backgrounds and expertise and provides ample opportunities to network, learn from colleagues, and build strong relationships.
Current Board members Deb Andrews, Linda Whitten, Liz Reynolds, Jane Batzell, Bill Hall and Bruce Roullard at our annual meeting
Trustees have shared that serving on GPL’s Board provides a fulfilling outlet to dedicate their time and expertise toward a passion for Portland, historic preservation, and the urban realm. Working closely with GPL staff, our Trustees are a dedicated team who advance the mission of the organization.
The Board of Trustees adopted a new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, committing to our mission, vision, and values, outlining strategic initiatives, and providing Greater Portland Landmarks a direction for our work and growth over the next five years.
New trustees will be instrumental in guiding and supporting the organization’s pursuit of the following three goals:
Create an inclusive community-driven vision for historic preservation that reflects Portland’s diverse values and needs
Use historic preservation to improve livability, affordability, and climate resilience
Build an organizational structure that is financially sustainable, representative, and resilient
Trustee Rob Richardson, Philip Stocker, Elizabeth Polansky, and Trustee Aaron Morris at the 60th Anniversary Bash and Preservation Awards
“Serving on the board has given me a greater appreciation for the complex balance between preservation, economic development, and livability. I’ve gained insight into how thoughtful advocacy and education can shape public understanding of the value of historic structures—not just as artifacts, but as active contributors to the city’s vibrancy.”
recent organization hIghlights
What are the benefits of serving on GPL’s Board of Trustees?
Executive Director Kate Lemos McHale and Board Vice President Chloe Martin at the Franklin Street Redesign Open House
GPL has served greater Portland for over 60 years, protecting its identity, character, and sense of place. Trustees become part of the legacy and help ensure that Portland’s historic quality endures. Our Board represents a variety of professional backgrounds and expertise and provides ample opportunities to network, learn from colleagues, and build strong relationships.
Please submit interest in joining our Board of Trustees through the Open Call Interest Form.
We strive to build a more diverse, representative Board of Trustees by opening the process to our entire community.
Interest Forms will be accepted through March 13, 2026
Questions: email Kate Lemos McHale or call 207-358-7065
“I serve on the GPL Board of Trustees because I believe in and support its mission. I enjoy partnering with others and collaborating with others to find common ground. I am passionate about history and architecture”
Linda Whitten (back towards camera) leads the 2025 GPL “Jane’s Walk” tour through Gorham
Board Purpose
The Board of Trustees provides leadership, direction, and oversight to ensure the organization fulfills its mission effectively, ethically, and sustainably. Trustees act as stewards of the organization’s mission, reputation, and resources on behalf of the public trust. The Board holds the ultimate legal authority for the organization.
Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings (in-person at our 4 Milk Street office in the Old Port or via Zoom) as well as actively participate in at least one committee: Governance, Development, Finance, Advocacy, or others formed as needed. Trustees are also expected to attend GPL events such as fundraising events, educational programming, etc. throughout the year.
Candidates for consideration for the Board of Trustees will have professional expertise in a related field, leadership or governance expertise, active engagement in the community or related organizations, experience in fundraising, or a passion for historic preservation.
Common Questions
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GPL is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, representative Board of Trustees as outlined in our Strategic Plan. An Open Call is an invitation to express your interest in serving on the Board and helps us reach new individuals.
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GPL strives to diversify its Board of Trustees with individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds and personal experiences. Interested individuals should live or work in Greater Portland, ideally with a strong connection to Portland, with interests/experience/passion directly related to GPL’s mission.
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No, but GPL may prioritize individuals with any of the following attributes:
Professional expertise related to: historic preservation, architecture, planning, and preservation trades; cultural organizations, public art; law and public policy related to preservation, land use, and nonprofit governance; finance and fundraising; real estate development and urban planning; marketing and communications
Experience with community engagement and advocacy, strong neighborhood connections, previous experience on nonprofits boards, and fundraising success through campaigns or grant writing
A passion for historic preservation and a commitment to GPL’s mission with willingness to dedicate time and effort.
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About half of our current Trustees report spending 4-5 hours/month on GPL activities, 33% report 6-10 hours, and 25% report more than ten hours. The amount of time Trustees spend on GPL activities depends on participation on committees, roles of officers, attendance at events, etc.
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We encourage Trustees to prioritize GPL in their annual philanthropic giving while serving on the Board. There is no specific amount that is required of Trustees, though we hope trustees will support the organization in a way that is meaningful to them. There are many ways to support the organization’s fundraising needs.
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GPL does not currently have a specific number of positions to fill and will evaluate the needs of the Board as well as each individual respondent to determine the best number of new Trustees to onboard in 2026.
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Yes, each Trustee joins the Board for a three-year term and is eligible to remain on the Board for three terms.
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Board meetings are held approximately six to eight times a year, typically scheduled on Thursdays from 4-6 pm in GPL’s office in the Old Port, or larger venues as needed. GPL offers the option to join Board and committee meetings virtually as needed.
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GPL’s office is accessible by ramp and elevator. We strive as much as possible to hold events and programs in accessible locations, though some historic spaces, such as the Observatory, are not accessible to guests with limited mobility. We provide visual and audio accommodations as needed, and collaborate to find solutions for any other needs to ensure that participation in meetings, events, and activities remains as accessible as possible to all.
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The Open Call is accepting Interest Forms through March 13th, 2026. The Governance Committee will review and conduct interviews in the following weeks, and individuals who are invited to join the Board will be notified ahead of our June 25th Annual Meeting where candidates will be voted on by the current Board.