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Meet Our Board of Directors.
Explore Our Programs.
We offer a number of programs to educate, empower, and impact our community members throughout the year. Learn More
Cory Bonnet
Chair of the Board
Cory is a Pittsburgh fine oil painter and preservationist who paints contemporary nostalgic scenes using salvaged and reclaimed materials, such as a painting of the former Civic Arena on an original piece of the metal roof.
Bonnet earned a BFA in Drawing and a Minor in Art History from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1998. The importance of sustainable development was a huge catalyst in defining his work. The use of reclaimed materials and focus on conservation of historic buildings led Bonnet to earn the title of LEED AP from the USGBC. This gave him an in-depth understanding of sustainable building practices and reinforced his commitment to using salvaged, reclaimed or sustainable materials in his work. Bonnet was named YPA’s “2017 Preservationist of the Year.”
Bonnet has worked on a number of community development initiatives and works with local charities to help them reach fundraising goals. Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, Cory Bonnet has always appreciated the inherent beauty of the city and its surrounding neighborhoods. His paintings reflect the optimism and beauty he sees in his hometown. Bonnet’s work can be seen on at Shehady Gallery on Penn Avenue in the Strip District of Pittsburgh.
Sydney Papinchak
Vice Chair of the Board
Sydney is a recent graduate of Washington & Jefferson College and a young preservationist in her own right. Her parents own and operate Polymath Park, which contains houses built or inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and was recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning.
Chris Yoest
Treasurer of the Board
What do you do when you don’t have the skills to be an architect but appreciate architecture? You become a member of YPA to preserve the past for the future
Lance Harrell
Board Member
Lance Harrell brings extensive experience to the Board of Directors of the Young Preservationists in restoration, preservation, and development, and is a great asset to our organization for his perspective and insight.
Lillie Gabreski
Board Member
Though she was born and raised in Jamestown, NY, Lillian’s parents hail from Southwestern Pennsylvania – leading to her long-term affinity for the area.
Dan Holland
Founder and Emeritus Board Member
The Young Preservationists of Pittsburgh was founded in 2002 by Dan Holland, currently a candidate for a Doctorate degree from the University of Pittsburgh in History.
Become a
YPA Member
Please consider becoming a member of YPA. It shows us that you’re paying attention and enjoy the work we’re doing. It tells us that you’re there and we can count on you for your support. You can become part of a movement that will immediately impact your life and community around you. Please join our team and lend your voice!