Sedona appoints two residents to Historic Preservation Commission after interviews

Sedona officials on an otherwise routine meeting interviewed applicants for the city’s Historic Preservation Commission and then appointed Karen Stupak and Bobby Woods to two open seats.

The appointments came after individual interviews in which applicants described their ties to the Verde Valley, relevant experience and what they hoped to contribute. Mayor Scott Jopel and Vice Mayor Holly Plude and the commission chair, Nate Myers, asked each candidate a standard set of questions about qualifications, the local landmarking process and time commitment.

Karen Stupak, a preservation professional who said she had served in museum and historical-society roles, told commissioners she wants to increase landmarking and community outreach. “If you don’t know your past, how could you do anything?” Stupak said, arguing that local designation and a new survey of properties would strengthen preservation efforts.

Bobby Woods, an architect who said he lives in Cottonwood but does much of his practice in Sedona and whose father, John Woods, worked as an architect in the area, told the panel his training would help assess buildings and document historic resources. “I have an interest there in learning about some of our historical buildings,” Woods said, and added that he would be willing to do hands‑on work beyond attending monthly meetings.

Commissioners described the Historic Preservation Commission’s scope as primarily landmarking and recognition. Chair Nate Myers noted that outreach and education often fall to the Sedona Historical Society under a city service agreement, and emphasized that practical expectation for new commissioners: “It could take you up to a year to really get up to speed,” he said.

Panelists also discussed the relationship between preservation and economic development. Both candidates argued that restored and interpreted historic sites can support tourism, events and local businesses; Stupak urged a renewed property survey to identify more candidates for landmark status.

After a brief executive session, the commission returned to open session and moved to appoint Stupak and Woods to the two vacancies. The motion carried with members saying “aye”; the minutes and the meeting recording show the vote was unanimous and no opposition was recorded.

The commission will next meet on its regular monthly schedule; newly appointed members were told to expect monthly meetings lasting about an hour and additional volunteer opportunities for those who want to be more active.