The Architecture of the Last Colony: Georgia’s Historic Places

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Mark C. McDonald retired in the fall of 2023 after 15 years as president and CEO of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and a 37-year career in historic preservation.

Under McDonald’s leadership, the Georgia Trust doubled the number of properties protected by its Revolving Fund and Easements programs, successfully completed a $2.3 million capital campaign for the restoration of its headquarters, Rhodes Hall, and its grounds, established the country’s first green certification program for historic buildings and residences, and strengthened its financial position.

McDonald has been named four times to Georgia Trend magazine’s list of “Notable Georgians,” and in 2022, was included in the publication’s “Georgia 500: the State’s Most Influential Leaders” listing. He served as chairman of the Partners Network of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and on the organization’s Board of Trustees and Board of Advisors. He currently serves as chairman of the Georgia Women of Achievement’s Selection Committee, a post he has held since 2011, and on the board of trustees of the Ossabaw Island Foundation.

In addition to the Trust, McDonald served as executive director for three preservation organizations in the Southeast, including the Historic Salisbury Foundation in North Carolina from 1986-1990, the Mobile Historic Development Commission in Mobile, Alabama from 1990-1998, and Historic Savannah Foundation from 1998-2008, and was recognized by the American Institute of Architects with a Citation of Excellence for his 10 years of service in Savannah.

McDonald holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in history and English from Emory University and a law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law.