New Executive Director Announced

POMFRET, Connecticut

Following a one-year transition planning process, the 1772 Foundation has announced that Ethiel Garlington has been named Executive Director, effective September 18th.

“Ethiel’s professional experience and exceptional leadership in historic preservation make him the ideal choice for executive director of the 1772 Foundation. His impressive accomplishments closely reflect the values and strategies upheld by our organization, specifically his commitment to elevating historic preservation as a powerful driver for community well-being, and as a relevant and impactful solution to the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing communities today,” said Margaret Waldock, President of the Board of the Foundation.

For the last nine years, Ethiel has served as Executive Director of the Historic Macon Foundation (HMF). Under his leadership, HMF has dramatically increased its staff size and operating budget and developed innovative educational programming, membership campaigns, and real estate initiatives relevant to the community. The organization has become nationally recognized for its dynamic, entrepreneurial approaches to historic preservation. Before coming to HMF, Ethiel was Director of Preservation Field Services for Knox Heritage in Tennessee.

“I am honored to serve as the second Executive Director of the 1772 Foundation and look forward to building on the legacy built by my predecessor, Mary Anthony, and the Board of Trustees. I believe that with the help of philanthropy, historic preservation can transform communities and bolster the broader citizenry. I look forward to working closely with partners across industry lines and shepherding 1772 through its next chapter,” said Ethiel Garlington.

Ethiel succeeds inaugural Executive Director Mary Anthony, who has held the post for twenty years. Mary has been responsible for the deployment of over $60 million in grants during her tenure and, more recently, played a key role in the transition planning process. Mary will serve as Executive Director until September. She will remain at the foundation as Program Advisor to provide support to the board and staff and to ensure a successful transition. The board is deeply appreciative of Mary’s proactive leadership over two decades, especially her commitment to dynamic historic preservation efforts.