National Registry Criteria Workshop

Melissa joined the Georgia Historic Preservation Division in July 2016 as the African American Program Coordinator. She also serves as liaison to the Georgia African American Preservation Network (GAAHPN). 

In her role, Melissa assists individuals and communities in identifying and preserving African American sites and properties significant to Georgia's heritage. She also coordinates the production of the Reflections quarterly newsletter, and develops other outreach strategies to initiate, promote and increase engagement in historic preservation activities and programs in communities across the state. Melissa brings 15 years of outreach experience, having worked in Savannah, GA., Philadelphia, PA., and with a national-level program at the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington D.C. She holds a Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida and a Masters in Urban Studies from Savannah State University (SSU). 

Special thanks to The Georgia Division of Natural Resources for a Gift-In-Kind support for the appearance of Melissa Jest at LePageville Memorial Cemetery Corporation Workshop on October 17, 2017.