Virginia City Preservation Alliance
Our Board Officers
President
PAT JACOBS
Pat's career and enduring passions revolve around historic preservation. Graduating from Ball State University with degrees in Architecture and Science, she dedicated herself professionally to conserving and repurposing historic structures. As Assistant Administrator for the City of Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission, she witnessed firsthand the transformative impact on communities and neighborhoods. In 2001, she founded her own architectural firm, ARCHitecture trio, focusing on community revitalization, building renovation, and adaptive reuse. Pat's firm has restored nearly 100 historic building facades listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including converting industrial complexes into housing units and repurposing a former Art Deco-styled public school. Relocating to Bozeman in 2012, she actively engages with the community, serving on boards and as a preservation consultant. Now, as President of the VCPA, she champions preservation, embracing Virginia City's rich heritage as her home.
Vice President
GARY FORNEY
Gary R. Forney is a retired college Dean and Vice-President who, with his wife, Cathy, has lived near Ennis, Montana, since 1999. He has written numerous articles, made many presentations and authored five books on territorial Montana and Virginia City history. In addition to serving on the VCPA Board for twenty years, Forney is a founding member and past president of the Elling House Arts & Humanities Center, served on the board of directors for the Madison Valley and the Madison County/Thompson-Hickman libraries, the Madison County Scouting Committee, and is an Honorary Member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Helena).
Treasurer
CHRIS LEONARD
Chris Leonard lives with his wife and two children in downtown Virginia City. Professionally, Chris is a consultant specializing in real estate projects, affordable housing and business operations. When he isn't working, Chris can be found skiing, camping, biking or doing pretty much anything that gets him outside. Chris joined the VCPA in 2019 and has a passion for the town, it's buildings, and it's character. While Chris is a Colorado native, his wife and kids are six and seventh generation Montanans
Secretary
BILL LEV
I grew up in New Jersey and retired to the Ruby Valley after a career in technology marketing and sales. From the first day my wife and I visited, we fell in love with the area and its history. In researching the local history of the Alder Gulch gold rush and the pioneers who settled here, I have started writing a book about Saint Mary of the Assumption church in Laurin and have been able to apply genealogy tools since history is so much more than facts and dates, it’s the story of people’s lives and dreams. My participation allows me to share my interest in local history, and give back in a small way to help in the preservation and public awareness of the VCPA properties.
The Board
Mary Stassi
Bob Bayley
Marge Antolik
