Suzanne Brooks named Executive Director of Historic Columbia
August 21, 2024
Local advocate for historic preservation, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization, Suzanne Brooks has a history of engaging community stakeholders to preserve regional history and ensure all stories are heard
Historic Columbia announced that Suzanne Brooks will assume the role of Executive Director, effective September 30. With an extensive background in historic preservation, community revitalization, and non-profit leadership, Suzanne brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for preserving history and advocating for underserved communities.
“I’m thrilled to be selected as Historic Columbia’s next Executive Director,” said Brooks. “It is an honor to steward the organization’s long history of success in our community, and I’m excited to continue building meaningful partnerships throughout our region. Historic Columbia’s vision to ‘harness the power of history to inspire curiosity and catalyze community engagement’ resonates with my firm belief in that nonprofits are more impactful when they collaborate closely with their communities.”
Suzanne joins Historic Columbia from Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, where she has served as Executive Director since January 2022. Her impressive career also includes leadership roles at the Spartanburg County Historical Association and Preservation South Carolina. Suzanne’s dedication to historic preservation and her proven track record in fundraising, strategic planning, and community engagement make her an outstanding choice to lead Historic Columbia into the future.
“Suzanne’s extensive leadership experience and her deep commitment to historic preservation make her the ideal leader for Historic Columbia,” said Rodrick Shiver, President of the Historic Columbia Board of Trustees. “The board is confident that under her guidance, the organization will continue to thrive and expand its impact in the community.”
Suzanne holds an MA in Interior Design from Marymount University with a focus on historic interiors and has been an active advocate for historic preservation for over a decade. She has served on the Board of the SC Department of Archives & History Foundation and is a founding partner and past co-chair of the Spartanburg African American Heritage & Culture Committee.
Brooks was identified following an extensive national search led by DHR Global’s Nonprofit Practice led by Michele Counter.
Please join us in welcoming Suzanne Brooks as the new Executive Director of Historic Columbia.
About Historic Columbia
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition officially incorporated as Historic Columbia. Over the next five decades, the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. Visit historiccolumbia.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, X, or You
