Cindy Olnick

Cindy Olnick is the Associate Director of Heritage Conservation and Visiting Heritage Conservation Expert-in-Residence at the University of Southern California School of Architecture. She holds a B.S. in Mass Communications from Boston University. Her work focuses on communications strategy for heritage conservation, reframing preservation practices, and building capacity within the field. She teaches courses in communicating for the built environment and thesis preparation, while also recruiting students for USC’s Master of Heritage Conservation program.

As a consultant, Olnick develops messaging for preservation organizations, including the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions and Docomomo US. She leads community engagement for Historic Places Pasadena and serves on boards for the National Preservation Partners Network, Preservation Priorities Task Force, and Photo Friends of the Los Angeles Library. Her award-winning podcast Save As: NextGen Heritage Conservation features interviews with students and alumni, highlighting innovative research and career paths in heritage conservation.

Her professional contributions include the 2023 Messaging Guide for Local Preservation Programs and the book L.A. Landmarks: Lost and Almost Lost, which inspired a self-guided tour. Olnick’s work bridges academic, professional, and community efforts to advance heritage conservation through effective communication strategies.