Steinke To Head Preservation Alliance

Paul Steinke, incoming executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, with outgoing executive director Caroline Boyce | Photo courtesy Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

Paul Steinke, on whose watch the Reading Terminal Market became a top tourist destination in the city, has been named the new executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, effective in June.

Steinke replaces Caroline Boyce, who is leaving to establish her own consultancy for nonprofit organizations. Boyce’s consultancy will provide interim executive director services, develop strategic alliances, and manage operations for nonprofit organizations in transition.

Steinke’s previous full-time gig also put him in charge of preserving a historic asset. He served as general manager of the Reading Terminal Market from 2001 until he resigned at the end of 2014 to launch an unsuccessful bid for an at-large seat on City Council. During his tenure as GM, Steinke attracted new merchants to the market (and had run-ins with some older merchants who objected to his modernization of market operations), presided over a $4 million renovation of the market’s east end and its support facilities, and through skillful marketing, helped the local icon beloved by food lovers throughout the region become the top destination for visitors to Philadelphia, outranking even the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Prior to running the Reading Terminal Market, Steinke served as the first executive director of the University City District, whose cleaning and patrol programs made eastern West Philadelphia safer and more attractive. Before that, he served as the director of finance and administration for the Center City District, on which the UCD was modeled.

“As one of the nation’s top two or three most historic cities, Philadelphia needs a strong voice for the preservation and re-use of our many important buildings, neighborhoods and streetscapes,” Steinke said in a news release. “Renovating and preserving historic buildings strengthens Philadelphia’s distinctive character, revitalizes communities, retains current residents, and attracts new energy into the city. As executive director, I look forward to working with community leaders and public officials to raise awareness and appreciation of our historic resources and advocate for their preservation.  I’m grateful to Caroline for her economic fearlessness and bold initiatives.”