Rosanne Foley appointed as executive director of the Boston Landmarks Commission

January 20, 2015 - Today Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the appointment of Rosanne Foley as the Executive Director of the Boston Landmarks Commission. A longtime resident of Dorchester, Foley will manage the historic preservation program for the City of Boston, including the Boston Landmarks Commission and nine Historic Districts Commissions. Her position is in the Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet, under the guidance of Chief Austin Blackmon.

 

“Rosanne is a community connector, who has been deeply involved in supporting and advocating for Boston’s neighborhoods and Main Streets,” said Mayor Walsh. “Rosanne has vast experience in building community partnerships, and I’m pleased to welcome her in this important leadership role.”

 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of Mayor Walsh’s Environment, Energy and Open Space team,” said Foley. “I look forward to making use of my background and relationships to honor the unique cultural resources that exist in all Boston neighborhoods.” 

 

In her role, Foley will supervise and direct activities of staff members engaged in preservation surveying and planning and regulatory review. She will represent the City of Boston and the Landmarks Commission in the local, state, and national preservation communities, and interact with local, regional, and federal preservation, development, and environmental agencies.

Most recently, Foley was the Executive Director at Fields Corner Main Street where she helped build stronger relationships between area residents, merchants, and institutions. Previously, Foley was cultural events and marketing consultant for Upham’s Corner Main Street and for other Boston area arts and culture non-profit organizations. She has also worked with Go Local MetroBoston, a social enterprise start up, and Codman Square Health Center. Foley held the position of Director at GreenDorchester, a grassroots environmental action collaborative for 8 years, helping to launch Boston’s first local bike advocacy group, two farmers’ markets, and a food co-op.

Foley has provided leadership in advisory positions for the City, state, and area non-profits, including the Ashmont MBTA Station Citizens Advisory Committee, the Codman Square Main Street Design Committee, the Dorchester Arts Collaborative, the Dorchester Historical Society, and the Metropolitan Beaches Commission.

Foley is a graduate of Northeastern University with a degree in History and Art History.

There are more than 8,000 properties located in the City’s nine local Historic Districts or designated as individual Boston Landmarks. This includes buildings, structures, sites, and areas that have shaped the City from its beginning to the present day. The Boston Landmarks Commission, along with the local historic district commissions, provides information and assistance concerning the regulatory process, historic preservation planning and protection, archaeology, sources for historical information, and technical assistance.