Renee Freifeld is the new executive director of the Fenton History Center. Submitted photo

By Dennis Phillips

dphillips@post-journal.com

Renee Freifeld has accepted a new challenge in her professional career as the Fenton History Center’s new executive director.

Freifeld started her new position on Jan. 10 after 30 years of being a communications professional.

“I managed strategic marketing,” she said. “I worked primarily in broadcasting. I was the general sales manager for the Fox affiliate in Erie, (Pa.). I was involved heavily in advertising and marketing.”

Freifeld said she finds her new job running a nonprofit to be “incredibly challenging” given that her professional life before now had been working at for-profit media organizations.

“This opportunity appealed to me to help nurture relationships to help the Fenton grow as an organization,” she said.

Even though Freifeld is new to working for a nonprofit in Chautauqua County, she is far from being a stranger to the community. She has lived in Westfield for the past 23 years with her husband, Steve, and two children, Josh and Katie. She added that she also has two rescue dogs – Finn and Emma.

Freifeld is a native of New York City and grew up on the north shore of Long Island. Her husband, of 39 years, is also a New York City native of Brooklyn. She said their career paths guided them to Western New York. She added that during her educational years, she was always interested in history.

“I do very much love history,” she said. “I have a fondness for history, so this is a match made in heaven.”

During her first six weeks on the job, Freifeld is getting to know the dedicated group of employees, board members and volunteers at the Fenton.

“It’s a small, but resourceful staff,” she said. “It’s been a real learning experience for me. I’ve been made aware of so many things. There is a wealth of information and efforts at the research center and library as far as archival work being done there. Our collections are an important resource for many people.”

Freifeld said she looks forward to continuing to meet new people and learning about the important role the Fenton History Center plays in people’s lives.

“I’m just thrilled. I look forward to being a part of this community,” she said.

For more information, visit fentonhistorycenter.org.