Former student to head
federal preservation office

Former Texas A&M environmental design student Brian Goeken ‘87 is overseeing the nation’s largest, most successful and most cost-effective community revitalization program as the new chief of the National Park Service’s Technical Preservation Services Office.

Goeken will oversee the office’s Federal Tax Incentives for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings Program, which generates $4 billion a year in private investment in historic preservation. It is an economic stimulus that encourages private investment, generates jobs, and preserves historic structures.  Last year, the program created more than 41,000 jobs, an average of 47 per project.

“The tax credit program is a powerful force for the revitalization of our nation's cities and small towns,” said Stephanie Toothman, National Park Service associate director for cultural resources.  “I am very pleased that Brian, a nationally known leader in historic preservation at the local level, has brought his extensive skills and experience to this important post."

The office also provides guidance on the care of historical structures and maintains the Secretary of the Interior's illustrated guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings.

Prior to joining the National Park Service, Goeken oversaw Chicago’s historic preservation program for more than ten years as deputy director of the city’s planning and development department. He also developed the preservation program for the city of Pasadena, Calif. He holds master’s degrees in historic preservation and urban planning from Columbia University.

Last May, Goeken spoke with the Chicago Tribune’s Blair Kamin about his years in Chicago, where he reported to its colorful mayor Richard Daley.

Contact:   Phillip Rollfing, prollfing@archone.tamu.edu or 979.458.0442.