Jane Sheffield has a passion for working with communities to recognize, conserve, and develop their natural and cultural assets.
Having earned a BA in Economics and Psychology from Duke University and a Masters in Landscape Architecture, Community Design Policy from NC State University School of Design, Jane launched a small business in downtown Durham drafting and passing local legislation, creating local historic district commissions and downtown historic districts, facilitating certified historic rehabilitations on commercial structures, initiating streetscape improvements, and securing National Register of Historic Places designations.
She relocated to PA serving as Altoona’s first Main Street Manager and then moved to New Hampshire to direct its statewide historic preservation organization.
Over twenty years ago, the Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area welcomed Jane back as Executive Director of the Allegheny Ridge Corporation. She has spearheaded several initiatives including public/private partnerships resulting in certified historic rehabilitation and organizational sustainability, regional large landscape projects including the Main Line Canal Greenway™, and curriculum development and education outreach. These projects have received statewide and national recognition. In addition, she serves as Treasurer for the September 11th National Memorial Trail which co-aligns with the Main Line Canal Greenway between Johnstown and Harrisburg.
She volunteers in her local community serving as Vice-Chair of the Hollidaysburg Planning Commission, board member of several non-profits, President of Holy Trinity’s Episcopal Church Women, and Flower Garden Manager for St. Vincent de Paul Food Donation Project at the Monastery Gardens.
