Landmarks Illinois Names New President and CEO
Owners of historic properties in Illinois should expect strategic continuity under new CEO Frank Butterfield.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People
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Landmarks Illinois has appointed Frank Butterfield as its new President and CEO following his recent service as the organization's interim leader. This transition marks the official continuation of Butterfield's oversight of the organization's strategic initiatives and operations across the state.
Why it matters
Operators of historic and community assets in Illinois will see continuity in the organization's strategy, as Butterfield steps into the permanent CEO role after serving as Chief Operating Officer and leading the integration of Illinois Main Street.
Frank Butterfield assumes the CEO role after 13 years of service with the organization, which was founded in 1971 and operates statewide. His tenure includes a five-year stint as Chief Operating Officer beginning in 2021.
The players
Frank Butterfield
The new President and CEO of Landmarks Illinois with a background in historic preservation and executive operations.
Landmarks Illinois
A statewide organization founded in 1971 that advocates for the preservation of historic and architecturally significant properties.
The details
Butterfield has served the organization since 2013, when he joined as the Springfield Office Director. As Chief Operating Officer, a role he assumed in 2021, he led the acquisition of Illinois Main Street, an operational move that integrated preservation efforts with local economic development goals. He now takes responsibility for the permanent strategic direction of the entity.
Timeline
1971: Landmarks Illinois was founded.
2013: Butterfield joined as Springfield Office Director.
2021: Butterfield became Chief Operating Officer.
July 2026: Butterfield began serving as interim President and CEO.
October 22, 2026: Butterfield was appointed as President and CEO.
Market Landscape
This leadership appointment follows the strategic integration of the Illinois Main Street program into the organization's portfolio. The move signals a commitment to the growth strategy that Butterfield established during his tenure as Chief Operating Officer.
Business owners focused on historic tax credits or preservation-based development should expect continuity in existing outreach and advocacy programs. Operators should monitor the organization's upcoming quarterly communications for any shifts in regional office support priorities.
The takeaway
Butterfield's appointment reinforces the organization's emphasis on merging historic preservation with economic vitality initiatives. Operators should track the organization's public policy agenda for new incentives regarding historic site reuse.
Further reading
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More information
View more details about the organization at the Landmarks Illinois organization information portal.
Live Poll
Do you trust local historic preservation organizations to successfully manage their leadership transitions?
