Preservation New Jersey (PNJ) has retained Kelly Ruffel as its new Executive Director. Ms. Ruffel accepted the position and will begin her work this month. Her primary responsibilities will be the management and coordination of operations for the organization as she is directed by Preservation New Jersey’s Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. PNJ President Paul Muir described Kelly’s responsibilities as “not only managing the operations of PNJ, but creating connections statewide to advance our advocacy and education efforts.”

Kelly C. Ruffel said, “I am excited to support Preservation NJ, as they continue to make strides in enhancing historic preservation in New Jersey. Organizations such as Preservation NJ are essential for enhancing our relationships with preservation, so that historic landmarks and places will remain an integral part of our communities’ fabric and for generations to come. I look forward to working with the Board in its next chapter of advocacy and growth.”

Ms. Ruffel brings an extensive management background in historic preservation, history, and cultural affairs. Ruffel is an Assistant County Administrator who supports and coordinates a wide range of Passaic County operations. Working directly with the County Administrator, she coordinates and partners with department heads, community and business leaders, and state and local officials on projects, grants, and programs. She also serves as the Director of the Passaic County Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs (DCHA) and is the Chair of the City of Paterson Historic Preservation Commission. In addition, she is an Adjunct Professor of history at William Paterson University.

During the past two months Preservation New Jersey conducted an exhaustive search for its new Executive Director. Fifteen candidates were reviewed and four were invited for interviews. PNJ Treasurer Dave Reading was one of the interviewers and noted that “I was very impressed with Kelly’s understanding of financial operations of non-profits.”

Preservation New Jersey is grateful for all the qualified candidates who submitted their responses, resumes and who came in for intensive interviews for the position. Preservation New Jersey was very enthused by the wide variety of candidates and their overwhelming interest for the position. The organization hopes to again reach out to the candidates to join as members and possibly become part of the Board of Trustees.