Last month, we introduced you to Julie Toner, one of two new members of Heritage Conservancy’s Board of Directors. This month, get to know our other new Board member: Louis Lombardi! Lou is fascinated with American history and has a deep appreciation for the historic structures and beautiful open spaces of Bucks County. This passion, along with his desire to bring more awareness and support to the mission of Heritage Conservancy, makes him a valuable addition to our organization. We chatted with Lou to learn more about his background, what brought him to the area, and why he feels so strongly about preserving our region’s natural and historic elements.

Could you tell us about your professional and educational background?

Lou Lombardi: I joined Fulton Bank in 1997 and have worked in Commercial Credit and Commercial Banking my entire career. As Commercial Market Executive, I am responsible for all commercial banking functions within Fulton Bank’s BuxMont Division.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and Public Relations from Millersville University, and I earned my MBA from Penn State University. I’m a 2017 graduate of the American Bankers Association’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking. I also completed The Wharton Leadership Program at University of Pennsylvania in 2017.

What inspired you to want to be on the board for Heritage Conservancy?

Lou: When I was in seventh grade, my family relocated from outside of New York City to a 26-acre farm in the Poconos. The home on the property was built in the 1860s, and the barn had milking stalls and hand-hewn beams. It was there that I developed a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for old structures. 

Bucks County is blessed with so many farms, historic structures and open space. My goal is to assist Heritage Conservancy in fulfilling its mission of preserving open space and historic buildings.

What drew you to live in this area?

Lou: The decision to move to Bucks County 11 years ago came by way of a professional opportunity. My wife and I researched Bucks County and fell in love with Newtown due to the combination of its historic and vibrant downtown, the great school system, plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors.

How do you feel about the quality of life in Bucks County?

Lou: There are very few places that you can live that offer the charm of historic downtowns, open space in the form of state parks and farmland, proximity to the beach, Philadelphia, New York, great schools…the list goes on and on. 

Is there an area of focus within Heritage Conservancy that you are particularly interested in?

Lou: If I had to select one area to get to know better, it would be historic preservation. As a new board member, I’m interested in learning more about all of the areas of focus within Heritage Conservancy, as they’re all critical to preservation. I love American history, the Revolutionary time period in particular. Bucks County played such an important role in the formation of our country; in many ways, the buildings that have survived the last 250 years help tell the story of the birth of our nation.

What do you hope to accomplish as a board member for the Conservancy?

Lou: I want to help spread the word to more Bucks County residents regarding all of the great work that Heritage Conservancy is doing. More awareness will generate more support for the mission of the organization.

Have you ever served as a board member for a different organization?

Lou: Currently, I serve as Chairperson of the Loan Committee for Southeastern PA, and I am Vice Chairman of Fulton Financial Corporation’s Senior Loan Committee.

I previously served as chairperson of the Bucks County Children’s Museum and was also a board member of the Lower Bucks American Red Cross and the James Street Improvement District. I was also chairperson of the Allocations Committee of the United Way of Lancaster.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Lou: I coach whatever sport my four children play (baseball, soccer, softball). We also love to ski.