About The Lake Forest Preservation Foundation
Protecting Lake Forest's Historic Beauty
For decades, the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation (LFPF) has been dedicated to preserving the historic visual character that defines Lake Forest. Through advocacy, education, and stewardship, we work to protect the architectural, landscape, and cultural heritage that makes our community unique—today and for generations to come.
What We Do
Preservation & Stewardship
We encourage and support the restoration and preservation of historic sites, structures, landscapes, and community amenities. By safeguarding these assets, we help maintain the integrity, beauty, and sense of place that distinguish Lake Forest.
Education & Awareness
LFPF presents educational programs, publishes newsletters, and shares research to deepen public understanding of Lake Forest’s historic resources. Education is central to fostering appreciation and long-term preservation.
Advocacy & Engagement
We observe and engage with City meetings and planning processes to assist with preservation-related issues. Through thoughtful advocacy, we help ensure that development remains sensitive to its surroundings and respectful of the City’s historic character.
Research & Documentation
Our work includes conducting research, surveys, and studies related to historic preservation. This documentation helps inform policy, guide best practices, and preserve knowledge for future generations.
Recognition & Awards
Each year, we honor outstanding preservation efforts through our Historic Preservation Awards, recognizing projects that contribute meaningfully to the visual character of Lake Forest.
Our Mission
Dedicated to the stewardship, safeguarding, and endurance of our exceptional architectural and landscape legacy for succeeding generations, through public education, historic preservation, fundraising, and advocacy.
Our Vision
A community united by a shared commitment to preserving, valuing, and respecting the historic visual character of Lake Forest—where thoughtful stewardship ensures Lake Forest's architectural and landscape heritage continues to enrich daily life.
Our Guiding Beliefs
We believe in preserving Lake Forest’s historic visual character through architectural integrity and excellence, promoting education that fosters appreciation of its historic resources, and encouraging development that is sensitive to its surroundings.
Lake Forest Preservation Foundation Board
Our Board of Directors brings together community members who are passionate about preservation and committed to guiding LFPF’s mission, programs, and advocacy efforts.
Executive Committee
Henry Kleeman | President
Brian Norton | Immediate Past President and Secretary
Laura Luce and Susannah Sullivan | VPs Advocacy
Kelsey Kleinert and Arthur H. Miller | VPs Communications
Jan Gibson and Patti Poth | VPs Development
Stephen Bedrin and Gina Zisook | VPs Programs
Timothy Knight | Treasurer
Directors
Raymond Buschmann
Perry Georgopoulos
Tom Gleason
Jennifer Karras
Lynne Kennedy
R. Nicholas Loope, FAIA
Max Lynch
Robin Norkus
Jim Opsitnik
Ann Phillips
Karla Schwartz
James Shearron
Nadine Shepard
Honorary Directors
Pauline Mohr
Shirley Paddock
Linda A. Shields
Executive Director
Jennifer M. McGregor
Former Presidents
Edward H. Bennett, Jr. 1976-1978
Gayle K. Dompke 1978-1980
Gail T. Hodges 1980-1982, 2013-2014
Herbert Geist 1982-1984
Lorraine A. Tweed 1984-1986
Henry P. Wheeler 1986-1988
Sarah D. Wimmer 1988-1990, 1992-1993
Linda A. Shields 1990-1992, 2001-2003
Pauline M. Mohr 1993-1995, 1997-1999
Richard J. DuBourdieu 1995-1997
Edward H. Bennett, III 1999-2001
Alice Moulton-Ely 2003-2005
James F. Herber 2005-2007
Arthur H. Miller 2007-2009, 2015-2017
Tom Daly 2009-2011
Suzanne Boren 2011-2013
Jim Opsitnik 2017-2019
Peter Coutant 2019-2021
Susan R. Athenson 2021-2023
Brian Norton 2023-2025
Your Support Makes Preservation Possible
Thank you to the businesses and organizations whose contributions help sustain our preservation efforts and advance the mission of the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation.
