Preservation Action’s Hero of the Quarter is an outstanding historic preservation advocate who furthers our mission of making historic preservation a national priority by demonstrating exemplary leadership and making significant contributions to the field of historic preservation!
Announcing our Q2 Hero of the Quarter: Rebecca Miller!
Rebecca Miller serves as the Executive Director of the DC Preservation League (DCPL), Washington, DC’s citywide nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the city’s architecturally and culturally significant historic resources.
Since joining the organization in 2003, she has been a pivotal figure in advocating for the stewardship of the nation’s capital’s built environment. Under her leadership, the DC Preservation League has continued its long-standing mission to identify, protect, and enhance the historic buildings, landscapes, and neighborhoods that define Washington, DC’s unique character.
Rebecca spearheads initiatives to influence local land-use policies and historic preservation regulations, ensuring that development in the District respects its architectural heritage. She oversees programs aimed at raising public awareness regarding the value of preservation, including the organization’s high-profile “Most Endangered Places” program, which highlights historic sites at risk of demolition or neglect, and also works closely with local community groups, developers, government agencies, and elected officials to find balanced solutions that accommodate modern needs while preserving the historical integrity of the city.
Her day-to-day work is instrumental in navigating the complex intersections of rapid urban growth, historic preservation laws, and community preservation in a city defined by its federal significance and vibrant local history.
Thank you, Rebecca, for embodying what it means to be a Preservation Hero!
Q1 Hero of the Quarter: Dr. Chris Merritt
Dr. Chris Merritt started working for the State of Utah more than 13 years ago and became Utah’s State Historic Preservation Officer in 2019, the first archaeologist in that role.
He received his Ph.D. from the University of Montana, focusing on the archaeological and historical investigations of the Overseas Chinese, and a Master’s of Science in Industrial Archaeology from Michigan Technological University.
Since 2004, Merritt has worked in a variety of professional archaeological settings, including the United States Forest Service and private archaeological contracting in Salt Lake City. In addition, he is Adjunct Faculty in Anthropology at Weber State University and Salt Lake Community College.
On October 29, 2025, Merritt testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in Washington, DC to explain how the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106 Review protect cultural and historic resources. Merritt’s passionate testimony highlighted the efficiencies of the Section 106 Review process in Utah, thanks to strategic investments in technology and a commitment to finding pragmatic solutions to allow projects to move forward while protecting irreplaceable resources.
Thank you, Chris, for embodying what it means to be a Preservation Hero!
Want to nominate a Preservation Action Hero of the Quarter in your community? Click the button below to complete our nomination form!