SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) has begun 2023 with a new executive director in place.

The OHA selected Lisa Romano Moore to lead the organization, as of Jan. 1. She had been serving as interim executive director and director of development, per the OHA website.

Romano Moore succeeds Gregg Tripoli, who retired from OHA Dec. 31, OHA said in a Dec. 23 announcement. 

OHA describes itself as a private, nonprofit educational association of heritage-related services, museums, research and educational centers, and retail operations.

“Lisa brings a wealth of nonprofit and leadership expertise to OHA, where she has served as director of development since February 2020,” James Stoddard, Jr., president of the OHA board, said. “Her strategic vision, collaborative skills, and dedication to OHA’s mission have been essential to OHA’s success over the past three years, making her the best choice to lead the organization into the future.”

Before joining OHA, Romano Moore was the VP for development and executive director at the Onondaga Community College (OCC) Foundation from 2015-2019. She also previously served as VP of development and marketing at the CNY Community Foundation, director of development for Say Yes to Education – Syracuse, and in a variety of advancement roles at Syracuse University, including assistant dean for advancement at its College of Arts and Sciences, OHA said.

“I’m honored to be given the opportunity to lead our wonderful staff and serve my community,” Romano Moore said in a statement. “OHA is a dynamic participant in the growth and development of this region. Our work is relevant to all ages, all walks of life, and all cultural backgrounds, including the Haudenosaunee. As we prepare for new changes and challenges on the horizon, our programs, activities, and exhibits throughout the community will remind newcomers to this area of our rich history, and the generations of people who influence and inspire the pride we have in this place. I look forward to collaborating with OHA’s partners, staff, visitors, and supporters to continue to build on this important work.”

The OHA board thanked Tripoli for his 15 years of leadership at OHA, saying in the OHA announcement, “He has helped this important community organization to grow, connect with new partners and initiatives, and broaden its reach. It is because of Gregg’s dedication to collecting, preserving, and sharing Onondaga County’s history that we are able to look forward to a bright future under Lisa’s leadership in 2023 and beyond.”

“It has been my great pleasure, for the past 15 years, to lead the oldest cultural organization in Onondaga County,” Tripoli said. “Learning about the amazing history of our community has given me a new appreciation, respect, and pride for the place I call home and I hope that, by sharing these stories, we have helped others feel the same. It has been an exciting, and rewarding, tenure for me, and OHA is well-positioned for the future. I want to thank the members, staff, and board of OHA, as well as the community in general, for their support, generosity, and dedication that helped us achieve 15 years of continued positive growth.”

The OHA partners with CNYBJ on the annual CNY Legends Special Report, identifying and honoring companies that have left an indelible mark on our region with their history, mission, and impact.