Historic House Trust Staff

Haley Besser

Public Engagement Coordinator

Haley is the communications queen of HHT. After graduating with a degree in Public Relations from West Virginia University, she dove into the world of celebrity publicity in Los Angeles. However, her love of Broadway and interest in history brought her back to the East Coast where she proudly promotes 23 extraordinary pieces of NYC’s past.

Matthew Coody

Director of External Affairs

Matthew manages fundraising, communications, public programs, and special projects. After studying architecture and historic preservation at the University of Texas and Columbia University, Matthew embarked on a career in NYC’s non-profit world. His ideal day includes some combination of snorkeling and old buildings.

Derek Dandurand

Deputy Director of Historic Houses

Derek, a NYC Parks employee, oversees the HHT Capital Team, which manages capital projects and property maintenance. Prior to joining HHT, he worked with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and the New Jersey Historic Trust. He holds a BS & MS in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University.

Lauren Drapala

Architectural Conservator

With over a decade of experience in the field, Lauren is deeply invested in the preservation of historic places in public parks. She received a B.A. in Art History from Smith College and an M.S. in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania, and is pursuing her PhD in the History of Decorative Arts, Design History & Material Culture at Bard Graduate Center.

Giulietta Fiore

Development Associate

Giulietta is responsible for a variety of fundraising and engagement initiatives at HHT. She attended McGill University and has a background in archaeology and house museum management. A beginner open water swimmer, she hopes to one day swim past the Little Red Lighthouse.

John Krawchuk

Executive Director

John has long practiced historic preservation in the public service sector, with over 20 years at NYC Parks. He is a registered landscape architect with an MS in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. John enjoys exploring the diverse neighborhoods of NYC and discovering hidden historic gems, in addition to spending time with his partner and their dog Delilah at their Modernist home in Fire Island.

Danielle Monopoli

Project Development Coordinator for Historic Houses

Danielle, a NYC Parks employee, coordinates all routine and emergency maintenance as part of the HHT Capital Team. Before joining HHT, Danielle received a BA in Anthropology from Drew University and an MS in Historic Preservation from Pratt Institute.

Board of Directors

Directors’ Council

• Mona Abdelfatah
  
• Adrian Benepe
  
• William L. Bernhard
  
• Julie Blackburn
  
• Susan Berotti Boscarino
  
• Olivia Cothren
  
• Alice B. Diamond
  
• Bruce D. Dixon
  
• Jamie Drake
  
• Arthur Norman Field
  
• Amy Freitag
  
• Nonnie Frelinghuysen
  
• Donald Friedman
  
• Dr. Charlotte Pickman Gertz
  
• Dr. Robin Harper
  
• Margize Howell
  
• Kenneth T. Jackson
  
• Lucy Kennedy
  
• Regina T. Kraft
  
• Deborah Krulewitch
  Chair Emerita
• Jack T. Linn
  
• Joseph Pierson
  
• Robert C. Quinlan
  
• Jesse Y. Ramos
  
• Cordell Reaves
  
• Frank E. Sanchis III
  
• Gretchen Sorin
  
• Joan N. Taubner
  
• Eric K. Washington
  
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