Emily Hopkins named executive director of Historic Macon Foundation

Longtime downtown Macon leader succeeds Nathan Lott and will begin the role February 2.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Historic Macon Foundation has named Emily Hopkins as its next executive director.

According to a news release, the foundation’s board of directors voted Tuesday night to offer Hopkins the position. She will succeed Nathan Lott, who announced his departure last month, and is scheduled to begin her new role February 2.

The 36-year-old currently serves as vice president of external affairs at NewTown Macon, where she oversees strategic programming, partnerships and engagement efforts aimed at supporting downtown Macon. She also serves on the boards of the Georgia Downtown Association and Visit Macon and lives in Macon’s North Highlands neighborhood.

“Emily is a dedicated community leader,” said Pat Muse, chairman of Historic Macon’s board of directors. “With more than a decade of experience advancing historic preservation, downtown revitalization and place-based economic development in Macon-Bibb County, Emily is well-positioned to fulfill our mission and grow our reputation as a local and national leader in community revitalization.”

Hopkins previously worked at Historic Macon before being appointed Macon’s Main Street manager, according to the release. She has led the city’s nationally accredited Main Street program since 2017 and guided its transition to NewTown Macon in 2018. During that time, downtown Macon received statewide and national recognition, including designation as a Georgia Exceptional Main Street in 2023 and the Great American Main Street Award in 2024.

“I began my career at Historic Macon Foundation, and it was there that I learned what effective, community-centered preservation can accomplish,” Hopkins said. “I am honored to return in this role and work alongside the board, staff, members and partners to build on Historic Macon’s legacy while continuing to push forward innovative strategies that preserve our historic places and strengthen our neighborhoods.”

Historic Macon, founded in 1964, focuses on historic preservation and community revitalization through real estate development, historic tax credit consulting, advocacy programs, educational initiatives and low-interest loan programs.