McKay Muhlestein is an urban planner with experience in both private and public roles, with a focus on historic preservation and community engagement. He earned his bachelor's in Russian and his master's in Metropolitan and City Planning from the University of Utah. McKay has a long history with Preservation Utah. He interned twice, volunteered, and served on the Board of Trustees. Most recently, he worked as Community Development Director for the City of Manti. McKay has lived in Utah all his life and cares deeply about community. He believes that preserving places is just as important as creating new ones. In his free time, he likes gardening, crafting, and walking along well-designed streets.

Rachel isn’t originally from Utah, but has called it home for over 25 years, graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Communications, a minor in Sociology, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management. She brings over 18 years of event management as well as experience fundraising for many Utah nonprofits. She has used this expertise and combined it with her passion for building sustainability and connecting people to the impact they can have by supporting their local community. Over her tenure, that experience has led her to great institutions like the UMFA, Utah Food Bank, Humane Society of Utah, and now at Preservation Utah. Rachel loves music, reading, and traveling as much as possible in her free time. She and her spouse share their home with 3 rescues, Arlo, Gretta and Millie.

Liz Joerger grew up in southern California where she earned a BS in Anthropology. In her early career she practiced archaeological survey and cultural resource management. Liz learned first-hand preservation skills by helping her brother restore several historic homes in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and by watching many YouTube videos! She moved to Utah in 2006 and earned a Masters Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Utah. She has been with Preservation Utah since 2014 and has served many roles within the organization. Liz has two rescue dogs and enjoys gardening, learning about native plants, hiking, camping, traveling, crafting (sewing and pottery) and restoring her 1916 bungalow.

Having recently returned to Utah from West Virginia, Lindon resident Whitney Robinson is elated to step into her new role as our Advocacy and Education Manager! Whitney holds a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation from the Boston Architectural College, a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from Utah Valley University, and an Associate’s in Traditional Building Skills from Snow College.

She's an Air Force veteran who served at the Utah Air National Guard Base and is a mother of four. Whitney brings a unique background in material culture and traditional building trades with experience in blacksmithing, stonemasonry, and hewn-log cabins.

Her diverse background, shaped by living in seven states and traveling internationally, allows her to bridge the gap between academic architectural history and hands-on craftsmanship, making preservation engaging and accessible to the public. She is dedicated to expanding our educational outreach and helping communities across Utah discover, protect, and celebrate their local landmarks.

Alexander J. Adriano is a nonprofit professional, educator, and business owner based in Salt Lake City. His work centers on helping mission-driven organizations advance their missions, strengthen organizational capacity, and expand their impact.
In addition to his nonprofit work, Alexander maintains an active private piano studio as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM). Through his teaching, he is committed to cultivating artistry, excellence, and discipline in his students to help them reach their highest musical potential. He believes the arts play an essential role in enriching individuals and strengthening communities.
Outside of his professional work, Alexander enjoys spending time with his spouse, two Aussiedoodles, Atlas and Atticus, and his four whimsical backyard chickens. He is a voracious reader and has a passion for collecting antiques. Alexander is driven by a lifelong commitment to learning, service, and creating opportunities for others.

Carina Barajas is a Salt Lake City–based artist and creative professional of Mexican and Basque heritage. With a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Utah, she has built a career that blends fine art, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Her work spans painting, digital illustration, and murals, often inspired by culture, nature, and personal experience—including time spent at the Château d’Orquevaux artist residency in France. Carina has also held leadership roles with the Basque Club of Utah, supporting social media, newsletters, fundraising, and cultural programming. When she’s not creating, working, or volunteering, she enjoys gardening and exploring the outdoors with her fiancé and their beloved Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler, Leelu Dallas Multipass.

Aleks was born in Bosnia and moved to the U.S. at 10. She studied Philosophy and Psychology at Weber State University and has worked in violence prevention and fundraising. She’s a music lover, an avid reader, and a devoted dog mom to her senior German Shepherd. Aleks is excited for this next chapter with Preservation Utah.

Brendan Lee is a public historian completing his PhD in Education, Culture, and Society at the University of Utah. Originally from Panguitch, Utah, he now teaches American history in Logan and has served on our organization's Board since 2025. This summer, Brendan aims to develop college programming to engage students in local history and connect them with professional opportunities in historic preservation.