Speakers

Erik Hein is the Executive Director of the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO), the national organization representing the State Historic Preservation Offices in every State, Territory and the District of Columbia before elected federal officials, federal agencies, national non-profits and the public. Before this position, which he has held since 2013, he was the President of Preservation Action, a national grassroots nonprofit organization focused entirely on federal historic preservation policy. Prior to that he held various positions at statewide, local and municipal historic preservation organizations and offices in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

A national leader in historic preservation, he currently also serves on the Boards of several nonprofit organizations including the Preservation Action Foundation, National Preservation Institute, National Preservation Partners Network, Preservation Delaware and the Lewes Historical Society.

In addition to extensive public policy and nonprofit experience, Hein’s background is in communications and architectural history. He studied 19th Century art and architecture at the Victoria University of Manchester, UK, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a Master’s in American Studies/Historic Preservation from the George Washington University.

Nakita Reed is an architect and preservationist driven by the belief that existing buildings hold the key to addressing both the climate crisis and social inequality. With expertise ranging from National Register properties to Passive House certifications, Nakita assists building owners and developers in recognizing the potential of what already exists. Through work at Quinn Evans, the podcast Tangible Remnants, and board service with leading preservation organizations, Nakita is committed to making sustainable preservation the standard, not the exception. As one of the few Black female architects in this field, Nakita’s perspective informs every aspect of work, from project involvement to public speaking and mentoring the next generation. Nakita believes in transforming historic buildings to create a more sustainable future, demonstrating that buildings can be both historic and sustainable.