Meet RAP's New Preservation & Education Coordinator!

When Carmen Godwin became RAP's Director in 2008, she had a vision for what the organization could become. “My goal when I took this position,” said Godwin, “was to better manage RAP’s resources so that eventually we could build its capacity. I knew we not only needed more staff to meet our mission, but also to recruit employees with hands-on expertise in the areas that matter to our membership: historic preservation, community education, and volunteer cultivation.” Now, three years later, RAP is expanding its staff to better meet its mission. One of RAP's two new staff members is Laura Lavernia. Say hello!

Laura Lavernia

“I am the new Preservation & Education Coordinator. Previously, I worked in the Historic Preservation Section of the Planning Department for the City of Miami. I have a master’s in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a master’s in Arts Administration from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Before working in historic preservation, I worked in various capacities in the visual arts. My undergrad work is in Art History and Anthropology/Sociology from Florida International University.

My job will consist of being the liaison to the Design Review Committee and the City of Jacksonville’s Planning Department, Historic Preservation Section. I am also committed to helping continue RAP’s vision of a community that values its historic assets and acts as good stewards of these. I will be working on projects related to the Historic Preservation goals outlined in RAP’s Strategic Plan, including developing a comprehensive educational program focused on historic preservation; compiling a resource list of approved and compatible products for restoration and replacement in historic homes; and creating an accreditation program for contractors focused on historic preservation.”