Staff | Opportunities

Executive Staff

Heidi Swank | Executive Director

Contact Heidi at Heidi.Swank@NevadaPreservation.org.

Dr. Swank received her doctorate in anthropology with an emphasis on history and language from Northwestern University in 2006. She has published and presented widely on the ties between history, placemaking, and every day lives. Heidi has almost 15 years of successful grant writing experience, implementing field research and overseeing student research across the globe. As a resident of our older downtown Las Vegas neighborhoods, Dr. Swank has gained significant knowledge of mid-century resources and styles. She has spent almost 10 years researching this and other eras of 20th century architecture.

Suzey Sligh Van Ness | Deputy Director | Director, Heritage Programs

Contact Suzey at Suzey@NevadaPreservation.org.

Suzey’s background includes 20 plus years of award-winning marketing, events, and development programs with expertise in the fields of entertainment, hospitality, non-profit, museums, education, and cultural institutions. A native Californian, Suzey and her family moved to Las Vegas in 2005 when she joined a select team tasked with developing the Las Vegas Springs Preserve and Nevada State Museum Complex. Following the completion of this 5-year project, Suzey accepted a position as Director of Development for The Shade Tree, a non-profit serving homeless women and children. She is excited to be joining NPF to help support the foundation’s development efforts along with NPF’s signature annual event Home + History Las Vegas.

Professional Staff

Rosie Lidard | Manager, Heritage Programs

Contact Rosie at Rosie@NevadaPreservation.org.

Growing up near Gettysburg, Rosie’s appreciation for local history began early. From tour guide to event planning and group sales, Rosie’s career in heritage tourism took-off in Philadelphia, where she worked at two of the city’s top attractions: Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and The Walnut Street Theatre until her move to Las Vegas in 2015.

Rosie enjoys “everyday history” and creating community through tours. Since moving to Vegas Rosie became certified with the Las Vegas Tour Guide Guild. She has worked with Wayne Newton’s Casa de Shenandoah, Circus Circus, and as volunteer guide with The Neon Museum and NPF. Rosie is excited to aid NPF in growing heritage tourism programs throughout “undiscovered” Las Vegas and the state!

Michelle Larime | Historic Preservation Specialist

Contact Michelle at Michelle@NevadaPreservation.org.

Michelle has a background in architecture, special events, and various design industries. With a love for “old buildings,” Michelle bought a 1954 ranch house in the Beverly Green neighborhood, where she quickly became involved in NPF’s historic designation campaign. Her passion for preservation ultimately led to her work with NPF. Michelle provides assistance with neighborhood historic designation campaigns, NPF's revolving fund, and historic resource surveys.

Mariana Ruiz | Historic Preservation Specialist

Contact Mariana at Mariana@NevadaPreservation.org.

Information coming soon.