Historic Madison, Inc. Announces Retirement of Longtime Executive Director John Staicer; Launches Search for Successor 

February 20, 2026 

Madison, Indiana 

The Board of Directors of Historic Madison, Inc. announced today that John Staicer, who has served as Executive Director for 23 years, will retire effective December 31, 2026. Under Staicer’s leadership, Historic Madison has undergone a period of transformative growth. Notable achievements during his tenure include award-winning preservation projects, the designation of the Madison National Historic Landmark District, advocacy for many community-wide improvements and enhancements, and a nearly 80% increase in the organization’s assets. "It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as a steward of our community’s rich history," said Staicer. "Madison’s nationally significant historic architecture and its preservation form the backbone of everything Madisonians love about this community.  It is about more than just old buildings; it’s about the stories they tell, the identity they provide for our citizens, and the economic opportunity they offer. I am incredibly proud of what our team of board members, volunteers, donors, and staff has accomplished together." The Board of Directors expressed deep gratitude for Staicer’s vision and leadership. "John has been the heart and soul of historic preservation in Madison," said Board Chair Kevin Yancey. "He began working for HMI in 1991 as the Director of the Schroeder Saddletree Factory Project.  This led to his appointment as Executive Director in 2003.  HMI will continue to benefit from Staicer’s experience, as he will remain active in the organization as its President and help with the transition to the new Executive Director.  He has built upon a solid foundation to create an even more robust organization and leaves a legacy that will be felt for decades. We wish him the very best as he steps down from day-to-day activities." 

A Legacy of Preservation 

Staicer spearheaded the nationally award-winning restoration of the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, transforming it into a unique industrial museum.  He oversaw the Cook Cup prize-winning restoration of the Shrewsbury-Windle House National Historic Landmark.    He also led the restoration of the: ● AME Church building, built in 1850 and one of the oldest purpose-built for use by the African Methodist Episcopal congregation in the US ● Francis Costigan House, the home of one of Indiana’s leading pre-Civil War architects. Costigan designed the Shrewsbury-Windle House and the Lanier Mansion, National Historic Landmarks ● Dr. Hutchings Office & Museum, one of the best preserved medical history restorations in the US. He is currently overseeing two major restorations - at St. Michael the Archangel, one of the oldest buildings in Indiana, built as a Catholic Church, and the ca. 1820 Jeremiah Sullivan House, home of Indiana Supreme Court Justice Jeremiah Sullivan, who is credited with naming Indianapolis as Indiana’s capital city when he was an early state legislator. Staicer has helped the organization raise nearly $10 million to support the organization’s preservation and restoration mission.  He has also overseen two strategic plans, which have assured the long-term sustainability of the organization, including the sale of a number of its properties to private owners, who have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to inject new life into their neighborhoods. HMI has also launched new programs, including a concert series, preservation workshops, a scholarship, and other educational initiatives.  The organization’s outreach continues to grow via social media and internet presence. He also helped to focus a national spotlight on the community’s preservation accomplishments through his involvement with a variety of workshops and conferences held in Madison and the surrounding area. 

Community Enhancements

HMI, under Staicer’s leadership, supported and assisted numerous community projects, including: 

● The construction of the current Madison Milton Bridge and its approach in the Madison Historic District

● Lydia Middleton School rehabilitation & addition 2 

● Jefferson County Jail addition (now being studied for a new use) 

● Jefferson County Courthouse reconstruction after a disastrous fire 

● City of Madison Historic District Guidelines 

● City Masterplan 

● Establishment of the City’s Preservation and Community Enhancement grant program committee 

● Collaborating with the City on the Ohio River Legacy Park project and many other initiatives 

Over the past 35 years, Staicer has been involved in a number of leadership roles, including the Madison Main Street Project (board member and President, the Madison Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (board member and President, now VisitMadison, Inc.), Prince of Peace Parish Council member, Association of Indiana Museums board member, and many other community enhancement initiatives. 

The Search for a New Leader 

To ensure a seamless transition, the Board of Directors has formed a search committee to identify a successor who will build upon this strong foundation. The search will focus on candidates with a passion for architectural heritage, proven nonprofit management experience, and a vision for inclusive community engagement. Historic Madison has officially opened the application process. The ideal candidate will possess: An advanced degree in Historic Preservation, Museum Studies, Public Administration, or a related field; Non-profit leadership experience in historic preservation or museum management (or equivalent experience) A track record of successful fundraising and grant writing. Strong advocacy skills and the ability to partner with local, statewide, and national partners. Interested candidates are encouraged to view the full job description and application instructions below. 

To Apply:  Please submit a cover letter, resume, three references and writing sample to the Search Committee at search@historicmadisoninc.com.  Historic Madison, Inc./Historic Madison Foundation, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.  Application deadline is Friday April 24, 5 pm EDT.