by Lisa Pfueller Davidson

I am happy to be serving as the new VAF treasurer, and daunted to be following in Don Linebaugh's very capable footsteps.  VAF plays a key role in my professional development and network, so I felt it was important to do my part in helping run the organization.

My VAF initiation was the 1998 annual meeting in Annapolis, where I was the recipient of a student fellowship.  A number of us were encouraged to get involved by Orlando Ridout while taking his field methods class at George Washington University.  As he promised, I was hooked.  Dinner in the late 18th century orangery at Wye House was just the first of many unique experiences I feel fortunate to have had at VAF conferences. 

I also value VAF's ability to bring together a healthy mix of academics, preservationists, and public historians.  I have been a National Park Service historian in various capacities since 1995 and a staff historian with the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) since 2001.  Being involved with VAF gives me opportunities to stay in touch with colleagues doing all sorts of grounded and engaging work on the built environment.  VAF has given me an important venue to share my work on topics as varied as billboards, hotels, or cranberry bogs.  

I first served as a board member from 2007-2010, working on committees such as the Buchanan Award and serving as a paper session chair at several conferences.  I also worked on the planning committee for the 2010 VAF conference in Washington, DC during this period.  In returning to the board as treasurer, I bring the experience of being budget officer for the 2010 conference and a willingness to learn more about non-profit financial management.  Please let me know if you have suggestions regarding how we can all continue to keep VAF on a sound financial footing and plan for a vibrant future. treasurer@vafweb.org