An executive from NewTown Macon will take over as the new executive director of the Historic Macon Foundation. The board of directors for the nonprofit voted to offer Emily Hopkins the position on Tuesday night. She will succeed Nathan Lott, who announced his departure last month.
Hopkins, 36, is set to begin her role at Historic Macon on February 2. Currently, she serves as vice president of external affairs at NewTown Macon, overseeing strategic programming and engagement efforts that draw more than one million visitors annually to downtown Macon.
She is also active in local organizations, serving on the boards of the Georgia Downtown Association and Visit Macon. Hopkins resides in Macon’s historic North Highlands neighborhood.
“Emily is a dedicated community leader,” said Pat Muse, chairman of Historic Macon’s board. “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.”
Previously, Hopkins worked at Historic Macon before being appointed as Macon’s Main Street manager in 2017. She led the city’s Main Street program through its transition to NewTown in 2018. Under her leadership, downtown Macon received recognition such as being named a Georgia Exceptional Main Street in 2023 and winning 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 was founded in 1964 and has been recognized nationally for its work in historic preservation and community revitalization for over six decades. Its initiatives include real estate development projects, consulting on state and federal tax credits for historic properties, advocacy programs like Macon’s Fading Five initiative, educational outreach efforts, and low-interest loan offerings aimed at supporting neighborhood transformation.
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce supports economic vitality by providing networking opportunities, advocacy services for local businesses, workforce development programs, educational initiatives and events designed to foster business connections across Macon County. The organization has served businesses throughout the region since its founding in 1914.
