In a bold and visionary step forward, Preservation Houston has appointed Jennifer Kapral as its new Executive Director, ushering in a dynamic chapter for the city’s premier historic preservation nonprofit. With over two decades of leadership in education, public policy, and community engagement, Kapral brings a profound commitment to storytelling, heritage, and Houston’s diverse cultural fabric.

After an exhaustive nine-month national search conducted with Gershenson Consulting—reaching more than 300 candidates across the country—Preservation Houston’s board unanimously selected Kapral. Her leadership style, marked by warmth, innovation, and an inclusive vision, made her the clear choice to lead the organization into its next phase of growth.

“Jennifer brings warmth, vision, and energy to the role,” said Dave Morris, Board President of Preservation Houston. “She has an extraordinary ability to connect people to the stories that shape our city. We’re thrilled to have her lead this important work.”

Kapral most recently served as Senior Director of Education and Outreach at the Asia Society Texas Center. There, she led groundbreaking programs celebrating Houston’s global ties and Asian American communities. She directed public festivals, co-led a multimillion-dollar capital campaign, and helped create a pioneering digital platform that turned oral histories into interactive webcomics in partnership with the Houston Asian American Archive at Rice University.

Rooted in her early career as a teacher and Humanities Dean in Houston ISD, Kapral has built her legacy on empowering communities through knowledge and civic engagement. Her resume includes senior leadership roles at Teach For America and Raise Your Hand Texas. She is also a Fulbright-Hays scholar, having studied curriculum development in Egypt.

But it’s Kapral’s personal history that adds depth to her mission. Raised in Charleroi, Pennsylvania—a town with a 135-year glassmaking heritage—she learned early the importance of place and preservation. Now a proud Houstonian, she brings that same reverence for legacy to a city teeming with architectural treasures and cultural stories waiting to be safeguarded.

“Houston’s history is a tapestry of triumphs and untold narratives,” Kapral said. “Preserving our architectural and cultural heritage ensures that the full story of our city continues to inspire future generations.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kapral serves on the board of the Houston Taipei Society and contributes to the Houston Sister Cities Initiative’s Education Committee. She’s also a proud Girl Scouts volunteer and is currently working on a novel inspired by Charlotte Allen and Houston’s mystical bayous.

With Kapral at the helm, Preservation Houston is poised to not only preserve the past—but to build a future where every community sees their stories honored in the city’s evolving landscape.

🔗 Learn more about Preservation Houston at preservationhouston.org