James Soule – President

Jim Soule imported to Fall River 20+ years ago from nearby Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and has worked most of his professional career for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. As an avocational historian and genealogist, he co-founded the Preservation Society of Fall River in 2007 and, in true to fashion to his preservation commitment, is responsible (along with his wife Connie) for the preservation efforts of two Fall River historic properties: the c.1901 Dana Brayton House and the c.1905 Martha B. and Margaret Pevers House.

James Souza – Vice President

James Souza is a lifelong Fall River resident who began his professional career as a systems programmer, creating weapon simulation programs for the Navy in Newport, Rhode Island. After several years, Jim broke out on his own to open the wildly successful New Boston Bakery.  In 2013, Jim earned the Benevolent Entrepreneur Award from the Academic Center for Entrepreneurship at Bristol Community College. Aside from his passionate business and philanthropic efforts across the city, he’s also responsible for restoring the c.1922 James Blake House. He is a founding member and Board Director for the Preservation Society and he’s credited with leading a collaborated effort to adopt the Community Preservation Act in Fall River, remarkably the first gateway city in the state to do so.

Gale Powers – Treasurer

Gale Powers is a lifelong Fall River resident. Her organizational skill and attention to detail suits her well as Treasurer for the Preservation Society of Fall River. She is also an active board member of Friends of Oak Grove Cemetery, and a member of Little Theatre of Fall River and the Fall River Historical Society. After a 23 year stint with the lovely world of corporate retail, she works alongside her brother in his Fall River bakery.

Alexander Silva – Clerk

Alexander Silva was born and raised in Fall River, later graduating from UMass Dartmouth with a degree in communications. After moving to Central Massachusetts, he worked as a ghost writer in Boston before becoming the sole editor and reporter for two small town newspapers. While away from Fall River, he served on the Arts History Architecture (AHA) Fall River Steering Committee. Now back in his hometown, he serves on the Preservation Society of Fall River’s Board of Directors and the city’s Community Preservation Committee.

Maria Connie Soule

Maria Connie Soule was born on Sao Miguel, Portugal, and came to Fall River with her family when she was 5 years old. She has worked her professional career at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Before finishing her nursing education, she also worked at various Fall River mills stitching and inspecting. Although preferring a low profile, in fact, she’s the brains and creative power behind her husband Jim’s 20 years of local preservation efforts.

John Silva

John Silva was born and raised in Fall River and graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School. John lives in Fall River with his husband, Jack. Growing up in Fall River, John was always amazed and impressed with the old historic buildings and architecture. As an adult, he advocates to preserve the buildings and open spaces that he grew to appreciate. After 30 years in banking and finance, John changed his career to work in human services. John is also a local realtor. Family and community are important in his life. John is very involved in the Greater Fall River community and participates on several community boards and steering committees for diversity and at risk families.

Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith is a lifelong Fall River resident. Despite a physical disability, she does not allow her limitations to impair her commitment to life. She works as a CMA at a local medical office and she raises her three children in the city. She loves Fall River’s history and architecture, and carries an intense knowledge of the city’s neighborhoods and local lore. More than a preservationist, Jen considers herself a committed Fall Riverite, quoting from HL Mencken about her hometown, “It is as much a part of me as my two hands. If I had to leave it I’d be as certainly crippled as if I lost a leg.”

Jahnna Khoury

Jahnna Khoury is a Fall River native. A member of the musical act, “The Khourys,” her art has taken her to California, but her passion for the city of Fall River drove her all the way back home. Her grandmother and great aunts were all employed at the Fall River Knitting Mills. Her family has instilled in her the values of this great city and its architecture. She now brings her passion for the city as a new Director of the Preservation Society of Fall River.

Jennifer Lauzon