Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP

Survey and Inventory Technician

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St Augustine, Florida, United States

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Timeline
About me
Historic Preservation Professional, Fundraiser, Educator, Planner, Author, Speaker, Principal at Keys and Associates, LLC
Education
- Virginia Tech
  1976 - 1979
  M.A. Urban Planning/History
  Activities and Societies: Phi Alpha Theta History Honorary, Intramural Softball Thesis Topic: Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation: A Case Study of the Oregon Historic District, Dayton, Ohio
- Ball State University
  1973 - 1976
  B.S. HISTORY
  Activities and Societies: Honors College Graduate, Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honorary, Intramural Softball
- University of Florida
  2009 - 2013
  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Historic Preservation 4.0
  Activities and Societies: 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award in Historic Preservation, Inaugural Recipient Dissertation Topic: Preserving the Legacy: The Hotel Ponce de Leon and Flagler College
Experience
- Ohio History Connection
  May 1979 - Apr 1980
  Survey and Inventory Technician
  Prepared National Register Nominations: Waterstreet Historic District, Xenia; Dayton Fire Station #16; and Jacob H. W. Mumma House, Dayton. Also, identified, documented, and photographed historic properties in Dayton and surrounding counties.
- City of Dayton
  Jan 1980 - Jan 1983
  Preservation Planner
  Managed six local historic districts with a total of about 1,500 properties, including assisting with tax incentives, and planning for historic properties. Oversaw preservation of the municipally-owned properties as part of a management team.
- Riverside Avondale Preservation
  Jan 1984 - Jan 1986
  Executive Director
  Direct umbrella organization that supports two historic districts with more than 8,000 buildings, neighborhood commercial zones, and significant parks. Prepared successful grant applications for National Register documentation of the districts and worked with local officials on public-private partnerships.
- Louisville Metro Government
  Jan 1986 - Jan 1993
  Served a Cabinet level position to oversee historic preservation of buildings and material culture for public properties and facilitate private preservation including a conservation easement program. Documented the nation's most intact cultural landscape located on the bluffs east of Louisville and facilitated National Historic Landmark documentation for properties in the region. Conducted cutting edge research into rural and African-American resources for documentation and preservation as part of a national effort to address property types that were underrepresented and threatened with loss from neglect, maladaptation, or development pressure.
  - Director of Historic Preservation and Archives
    Jan 1988 - Jan 1993
  - Historic Preservation Specialist
    Jan 1986 - Jan 1988
- HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION INC
  Jan 1993 - Jan 1997
  Executive Director
  Managed the support organization for the Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board including orchestrating fundraising activities and recognition of outstanding private preservation efforts.
- Florida Department of State
  May 1993 - Feb 2002
  Managed historic preservation efforts for eight county region of Northeast and East Central Florida centered on St. Augustine, including disaster preparedness and recovery after Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Advised government agencies as well as private sector entities on cultural resource managment Directed the State preservation office's response in the Florida Keys following Hurricane Andrew to address recovery, mitigation, and adaptation for the historic and cultural resources throughout the islands with an office headquartered in Key West.
  - Northeast Florida Regional Office Administrator
    May 1997 - Feb 2002
  - Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board Manager
    May 1993 - May 1997
- The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America
  Jan 2002 - Jan 2005
  Executive Director, Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
  First professional executive director funded, in part, through a grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund.
- Flagler College
  May 2005 - now
  Serve as lead scholar for NPS project for Castillo de San Marcos to address three 19th century eras when the fort was a prison for Native Americans. Teach American History, Florida History, St. Augustine History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation and Women in American History courses; supervise independent studies and research assistants; served as faculty advisor for Phi Alpha Theta National History Honorary Society from 2015-2018 Oversight for preservation of the historic campus which features 20 buildings from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century that are all related to Henry Flagler, for whom the college is named. Responsibilities include fundraising, management of the fine and decorative arts collection, and representation with a variety of local organizations that further conservation of cultural heritage. Teach US History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation and Women's History courses; half of a faculty duo that developed Public History program. Secured major funds from individuals and organizations; represented institution at local, state and national levels as directed by administration Managed portfolio of major prospects to assist institution in higher education efforts.
  - Retired Faculty
    Jan 2023 - now
  - Visiting Scholar
    May 2021 - Dec 2022
  - Assistant Professor in History
    Feb 2014 - May 2021
  - Director of Historic Preservation
    Jul 2013 - May 2021
  - Instructor in History
    Jul 2012 - Feb 2014
  - Dir of Corp, Found & Govt Relations
    May 2007 - Jun 2013
  - Adjunct Faculty
    Jan 2002 - May 2012
  - Associate Director of Development
    May 2005 - Jun 2007
- Keys and Associates
  Jan 2017 - now
  Principal
  Professional in public speaking, community engagement, fundraising, public relations, marketing, strategic planning, conservation easements, financial incentives, research and documentation services related to historic, cultural and architectural resources to support government and non-profit organizations.
- The Craig Group Partners, LLC
  Jan 2019 - now
  Preservation Specialist
  Provide services related to historic preservation, strategic planning, major fundraising, marketing and communications
Licenses & Certifications
- Professional Qualifications Standards - History and Architectural History
  National Park Service
- American Institute of Certified Planners
  American Planning Association
Honors & Awards
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  John and Sue Renaud Award for National/State/Tribal Leadership to Advance Historic Preservation at the Local Level National Alliance of Preservation Commissions Aug 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award honoring 45 years of assisting communities, including 40 years of teaching historic preservation, on behalf of government, non-profit and academic institutions, and as a consultant, speaker, and author.
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Adelaide Sanchez Award for Historic Preservation and Restoration City of St. Augustine May 2023 Adelaide Sanchez AwardThe Adelaide Sanchez Award’s namesake was a native of St. Augustine and worked at the St. Augustine Record from 1930 through 1943 where she was a reporter, features writer, society editor and the Associated Press correspondent. After her retirement in 1973, she returned to St. Augustine and continued writing until her death in 1994 through newsletters for the Flagler Hospital Auxiliary and Trinity Episcopal Church and biographical sketches that were included in the… Show more Adelaide Sanchez AwardThe Adelaide Sanchez Award’s namesake was a native of St. Augustine and worked at the St. Augustine Record from 1930 through 1943 where she was a reporter, features writer, society editor and the Associated Press correspondent. After her retirement in 1973, she returned to St. Augustine and continued writing until her death in 1994 through newsletters for the Flagler Hospital Auxiliary and Trinity Episcopal Church and biographical sketches that were included in the program for Cross and Sword. It is Adelaide Sanchez’s appreciation and love of the City’s historic properties, and her active promotion to ensure the preservation of those resources that garnered this award being named in her honor. Her support of historic resources is a classic example of one who “walked the walk.” The year 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of Leslee Keys beginning her professional historic preservation career and her 27th year in St. Augustine. Over that time, Leslee directed the first Regional Preservation Office headquartered in Government/Governor’s House as an employee with the Florida Division of Historical Resources. She became the first professional Executive Director for the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum (XFHM), funded through a three-year Jessie Ball duPont Grant. From 2002-2022, she was staff, then faculty, for Flagler College and served as the Director of Historic Preservation.Dr. Keys exemplifies the breadth of historic preservation. She had overseen rehabilitation and conservation of historic properties in addition to fundraising and documentation that enable accurate historic preservation of those resources. Also, she has testified as an expert witness and meets the National Park Service Standards in History and Architectural History.She is a Trustee Emerita of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation after serving in all of the officer positions and on the Board of Trustees for 15 years. Show less
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  ROWITA Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts St. Johns County, Florida, through the St. Johns Cultural Council Mar 2022 Each year the St. Johns Cultural Council recognizes women who have profoundly influenced the artistic environment of St. Johns County with the Dr. Gail Pflaster ROWITA (“Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts”) Awards. The nominee’s impact on the cultural community is the most important criteria for determining the final selections. Visual, literary, and performance artists, educators, presenters, and philanthropic supporters of the arts are eligible for the award. Dr. Leslee Keys… Show more Each year the St. Johns Cultural Council recognizes women who have profoundly influenced the artistic environment of St. Johns County with the Dr. Gail Pflaster ROWITA (“Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts”) Awards. The nominee’s impact on the cultural community is the most important criteria for determining the final selections. Visual, literary, and performance artists, educators, presenters, and philanthropic supporters of the arts are eligible for the award. Dr. Leslee Keys moved to St. Johns County in 1997 and has since been a leader in the conservation of historical and architectural resources. She has served as Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations, Director of Historic Preservation at Flagler College, and has assisted more than a dozen St. Johns County organizations in securing nearly $20 million to preserve and interpret historic assets and cultural resources. Show less
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Anderson Community Schools Hall of Fame Anderson Education Foundation Aug 2021 Recognize, honor and celebrate the successful lives of ACS graduates.Advice to another generation: Make a substantive difference – in your lives and those of others. Learn from each other – without the benefit of electronic devices. Truly take an interest in other people. Ask questions. Get out of your comfort zone to learn your strengths and shortcomings. You will be the better for all of these.
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Distinguished Alumni in Historic Preservation - Inaugural Recipient University of Florida Nov 2016 The inaugural award honors her research and commitment to advancing Historic Preservation in St. Augustine and throughout the State of Florida.
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  William L. Proctor Book Award Historic St. Augustine Research Institute May 2016 Inaugural co-recipient honoring the best book published on St. Augustine history. The award recognized the monograph Hotel Ponce de Leon: The Rise, Fall, & Rebirth of Flagler's Gilded Age Palace that was published by the University Press of Florida in 2015.
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Dean's Award for Excellence in Service and Professional Development Flagler College, Dr. Alan Woolfolk, Vice President of Academic Affairs Apr 2016 Recognition for directing the Ideas & Images: Scholars and Artists in Residence series; serving as college representative for the St. Augustine 450th commemoration; directing college's role in the visit of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain including international dignitaries luncheon; published two books; and secured $500,000 grant for rehabilitation of Anderson Cottage, a historic building on the Flagler College campus
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Roy Eugene Graham Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation Education Florida Trust for Historic Preservation May 2015 Flagler College nominated Dr. Leslee F. Keys for her thirty plus years of experience developing and teaching historic preservation courses, using historic buildings and archaeological sites in her local history courses, introducing preservation experts to her students and community, and directing special programs for lifelong learning in the greater St. Augustine community. She has been actively involved in historic preservation in Florida since 1984 and developed curricula in Jacksonville… Show more Flagler College nominated Dr. Leslee F. Keys for her thirty plus years of experience developing and teaching historic preservation courses, using historic buildings and archaeological sites in her local history courses, introducing preservation experts to her students and community, and directing special programs for lifelong learning in the greater St. Augustine community. She has been actively involved in historic preservation in Florida since 1984 and developed curricula in Jacksonville, Key West and St. Augustine. She taught in those cities and was guest faculty for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and for UF’s Preservation Institute: Nantucket. She has made more than 50 academic presentations and 30 community presentations about historic preservation in 40 cities in 10 states and Washington, D.C. Presentations on Florida preservation topics have been made in more than 25 Florida cities and in Washington, D.C., Indiana, and Kentucky. Show less
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Trustee Emerita Florida Trust for Historic Preservation May 2015 Honor for longstanding support for historic preservation and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation including serving in all officer positions and many committees over nearly 20 years.
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Research Associate Historic St. Augustine Research Institute Jun 2011 Created as an academic partnership between Flagler College, the University of Florida and the St. Augustine Foundationi, this organization furthers the study of the heritage of St. Augustine, Florida
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Marquis Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in American Women Marquis Who's Who May 2001 In recognition of more than twenty years of historic preservation expertise and leadership, including college-level teaching, in the communities of Dayton, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; and The Florida Keys and Northeast Florida, including St. Augustine. Efforts in The Florida Keys included disaster recovery after Hurricane Andrew for the 110 miles of islands.
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in American Women Marquis Who's Who 2001
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Ida Lee Willis Service to Preservation Commonwealth of Kentucky May 1991 In recognition of significant contributions to the preservation of Kentucky's historical resources, this is the highest award to a professional in the field of historic preservation
- Awarded to Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
  Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Commonwealth of Kentucky Jun 1989 The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. It is recognition of an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to our community, state, and nation.
Volunteer Experience
- Education Professional
  Issued by National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
  Associated with Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
- Trustee Emerita, Past President, President, VP, Treas, Secretary - Board Of Trustees; Org Member
  Issued by Florida Trust for Historic Preservation on Jan 1984
  Associated with Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
- Resilient First Coast Collaborative
  Issued by Northeast Florida Regional Council on Jul 2023
  Associated with Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
- Cultural Resources Review Board
  Issued by St. Johns County, Florida on Dec 2023
  Associated with Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
- Organizational Rep, Member, Board of Directors, and President, Historic St. Augustine Area Council
  Issued by St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce on Jan 1997
  Associated with Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
- Board Member
  Issued by US/ICOMOS on Jan 2017
  Associated with Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
- Sister Cities Organizational Representative
  Issued by City of St. Augustine on Jan 2005
  Associated with Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
- Member
  Issued by GREATER KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INC on Sept 1993
  Associated with Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
- Board Member
  Issued by Preservation Kentucky Inc on Jan 1988
  Associated with Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP
- Board Member
  Issued by Preservation Action on Sept 1988
  Associated with Leslee Keys, PhD, MURP