HMI Announces New Executive Director

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Historic Manassas, Inc. welcomes a new, yet familiar face, to the staff. By unanimous consent, the HMI Board of Directors announced that Patty Tracy is the new Executive Director of Historic Manassas, Inc. Ms. Tracy has been Interim Executive Director since August 2008. Creston Owen, President of Falcon Communication Solutions, Inc. and Board President of HMI said, “I was pleased when the search committee had come to the board with a unanimous decision, but was overwhelmed to see the entire Board vote the same way. This is a huge vote of confidence for Patty and a clear sign of the unification of our Board.”

Gary Jones II, VP with M&T Bank and Treasurer of the Board of Historic Manassas, Inc. served as Chair of the Search Committee for the new Executive Director. The search committee conducted a Mid-Atlantic region wide search that resulted in over 30 resumes being received and reviewed by the committee. Three candidates were selected for interviews. At the conclusion of the interviews, the Search Committee made their recommendations to the Board of Directors at their December board meeting.

“Mrs. Tracy stood out among the candidates and has the breadth and scope of experience and leadership we were looking for. Patty has demonstrated a commitment to the Old Town Manassas community as a long time resident of Manassas and community activist. We are proud to have her join our organization”, said Mr. Jones.

Patty Tracy was the Membership Director of the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce for 10 years. She left the Chamber to become the Communications and Community Relations Associate for Eli Lilly and Company where she worked for 3 years until the company made the difficult decision to shut down the project here in Prince William County. “I am really excited to be part of the Old Town community again. I didn’t realize how much I missed being involved until I had the opportunity to come back. I feel as though I have ‘come home’, said Ms. Tracy.

Historic Manassas, Inc. is has enjoyed great success in the past few months with the Fall Jubilee attendance doubling the city’s population for the day through the Merry Old Town events including the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree, the 63rd Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, the Merchant’s Open House and the carriage rides through Old Town. For more information about these and other events, please contact Steve Urry, Marketing and Events Coordinator at 703-361-6599 ext. 102 or steve@historicmanassasinc.org.

In addition, HMI recently opened their main office at 9366 Main St. This move was in concert with the City to further establish HMI as an economic development partner in Old Town as well as providing greater access to our partners in Old Town. “It’s very exciting to have a Main St. address for an award-winning Main Street Program’, quoted Ms. Tracy. We are looking forward to working with the Virginia Main Street staff in Richmond and other Main Street Programs in the Commonwealth to further support our community, especially during these challenging times.”

HMI continues to operate the Visitor’s Center located in the Manassas Train Depot at 9431 West St. in Old Town Manassas. If you are interested in volunteering at the Visitor’s Center, or for any of our events throughout the year, please contact Sandy Miller, Visitor’s Center Manager at 703-361-6599, ext. 103 or sandymiller@historicmanassasinc.org.

Historic Manassas, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to revitalize, preserve and enhance the economic base that insures the rich tradition, history, charm and friendly ambience of Old Town Manassas. For more information about Historic Manassas, Inc. and details on upcoming communitywide events, you are invited to visit our website at www.visitmanassas.org or contact Patty Tracy, Executive Director at 703-361-6599 ext. 101 or email her at pattytracy@historicmanassinc.org.