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Kathy Kottaridis

Director

Kottaridis is an accomplished leader in the field of historic preservation, currently serving as the Director of the Office of Historic Preservation for the City of Boston. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing and guiding the city’s preservation initiatives. A key focus of her work is promoting inclusive historical narratives and fostering collaborations among the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She manages several key programs, including the Boston Landmarks Commission, the City's Historic District Commissions, the Archaeology Program, and the Commemoration Commission. Her leadership also extends to spearheading the City's commemorative efforts for significant milestones, such as the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 and Boston’s 400th anniversary in 2030. Kottaridis ensures that these historic events are celebrated inclusively, with meaningful engagement from all communities in Boston.

Before her current role, Kottaridis was the Executive Director of Historic Boston Incorporated (HBI) from 2007 to 2025, where she led numerous successful preservation projects. Under her leadership, HBI was instrumental in the rehabilitation of several threatened historic properties, securing over $5 million in capital grants and overseeing development projects worth $39.7 million. One of her notable achievements includes the 2015 restoration of the Fowler Clark Epstein Farm, a historic agricultural property in Boston, which was transformed into the headquarters of the Urban Farming Institute and an educational center. She also played a key role in the restoration of the Alvah Kittredge House, a project that involved a $3.8 million rehabilitation to create five residential units, including two permanently affordable units. Another standout project was the $1.9 million rehabilitation of the Upham’s Corner Comfort Station, which was converted into Comfort Kitchen, an award-winning café and restaurant.

Kottaridis holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and a Master’s in Historic Preservation from Boston University. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of New Hampshire. Her career has spanned several important positions, including work with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Bostonian Society.

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