US/ICOMOS and World Heritage USA
President’s Message, Milford Wayne Donaldson
Happy New Year
I am truly honored to be elected the newly elected President of US/ICOMOS and World Heritage USA. This is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me.
First, I want to acknowledge and thank Doug for his steadfast leadership and dedication for the last nine years. I would also like to the Arianna for her incredible management of the office, her staff, Katelynn, Kelsey, Michelle, and April keeping us informed in a timely manner. Their efforts have set a strong foundation, and I am committed to building upon their work to continue driving our mission forward.
US/ICOMOS and World Heritage USA thrive because of the collective passion and commitment of its members. Each of you plays a vital role in our success, and together, we will continue to make a meaningful impact.
Our continued partnership with National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Action, the National Association of State Historic Preservation Officers, the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, the Coalition for American Heritage, and many other important national heritage conservation organizations, World Heritage USA has publicly taken positions and issued statements on several issues
My vision as president is to foster growth, innovation, and collaboration. I want to ensure that every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and that we work as a united force to achieve our goals.
In my time as president, I will focus on three key areas that I believe are crucial to our continued success:
Strengthening Collaboration: We are all here because we share a common goal. I will work to foster an even more inclusive and collaborative environment where every voice is heard, and every member has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. Our diversity of thought, experience, and perspective is one of our greatest strengths, and I will do everything I can to make sure that every one of you feel valued and empowered.
Driving Innovation and Growth: We must remain open to new ideas, new strategies, and new ways of doing things. The world around us is changing rapidly, and in order to stay relevant and competitive, we must embrace innovation and be willing to take calculated risks. I will support initiatives that push us to think creatively and stay ahead of the curve.
Fostering a Message of Hope and Culture of Excellence: Given the current state of affairs at the federal, state and local levels we should not give up hope for change. The World Heritage Site Advocacy committee has shown the power of community for those that are struggling to protect heritage resources.
Excellence has always been our standard. Whether in our work, our relationships, or our community involvement, we must strive for the highest quality in everything we do. This means continuous improvement, setting ambitious goals, and holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards.
I am incredibly excited about the opportunities ahead, but I am also mindful of the challenges. We are a diverse and dynamic organization, and I believe the key to overcoming any obstacles lies in our ability to come together and leverage the unique talents of each of our members.
In closing, I want to say how truly honored I am to serve as your president. I am inspired by the incredible work you all do and motivated by the potential of what we can accomplish as a team. Let’s continue to work together, with energy, enthusiasm, and a shared vision, to make US/ICOMOS and World Heritage USA stronger, more innovative, and more impactful than ever before.
Thank you again for your trust. Let’s make the future bright, together.
Milford Wayne Donaldson
President