Melissa Wyllie is CEO and President of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Florida’s statewide nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and inclusive sharing of Florida’s history and heritage. Under her leadership the Florida Trust seeks to connect with a broader community to protect places of architectural, historical and archeological importance. Melissa works to connect more people with the preservation movement and share how preservation is part of vibrant places. She leads training sessions through the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions to educate and strengthen preservation at the local level and serves on the Board of Directors for Preservation Action, the national grassroots lobby for historic preservation. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from the University of Alabama, a Master of Nonprofit Management degree from the University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing a PhD in History from Florida State University.