Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Paul Helmer
President
Paul Helmer, Architect and Professional Color Consultant, has a background in Historic Preservation. Having grown up in St. Joseph, MO, he has a thirst for doing Preservation/ Renovation Architecture the correct way. His hometown background involved efforts to save the Buchanan County Courthouse where he developed the plan for adding floors between the 19’ first floor and the 2nd floor 25’ ceilings. This plan enabled a near doubling of space and showed Citizens that the building was viable. After its publication in the News Press the bond issue passed to rehabilitate this building. Similar efforts helped save the Warehouse Row and a local church. Upon arrival in Kansas City his background gained his position as Architect of the Landmarks Commission where he worked closely with Historic Kansas City Foundation. Later he became architect of the City Planning Dept., the Neighborhood Preservation Department and founding Manager of the Building Reuse Program. To his credit several properties have been saved and rehabilitated. To this day his company TOUCH OF DISTINCTION color & design has been involved with over 5,500 projects. He has won Federal, State and Local awards and has been given a Community Catalyst award for Revitalizing Neighborhoods of Kansas City. Beyond the above, it has been my privilege to help found the Friends of Sacred Structures FOSS with its founding nearly 30 years ago. Today our efforts have helped to save ethnic houses of worship and to enable the preservation of noble houses of worship.
Dan Robeson
Vice president
Dan is a native of Kansas City, and has been a FOSS board member since 2011. Dan retired from successful career as a Branch Manager, Regional Manager and Corporate Sales with Yellow Freight. After retirement he went back to school and developed skills in Construction Design, AutoCAD, Architecture and more. He spent 9 years doing home remodeling, and 3 years working with the Hoefer Wysocki Architecture firm. He now works in facilities management. Dan is married to wife Sherri, and has two children and four grandchildren.
Michael Adams
Mark Zimmerman
Chris Larson
Chris is the Vice President of Strategic Development at Lifewise Renovations. Chris has invested over 20 years of his life in the construction industry working with both Business to Consumer and Business to Business focused organizations. Chris is delighted to serve on the FOSS board and share his expertise to help churches in need. Chris enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his kids in sports, and especially loves dinner out with his wife.
Max Sherman
Joanie Shields
Joanie is the Founder of FOSS, and has served on the board since 1992. In addition to a profession career in retail, marketing, and small business ownership, Joanie has volunteered with numerous organizations. Some include the Historic Kansas City Foundation, City of Fountains Foundation, Daughters of the American Revolution, Starlight Theatre, the Junior League of Kansas City, and more. Joanie has three daughters and five grandchildren.
Mary Wiggins
Mary has been a FOSS board member since 2006, and also serves in various capacities on local church boards and community outreach groups. She has a passion for community development and neighborhood sustainability. Mary has a background in journalism, and taught English in the Shawnee Mission School District. Mary has lived in Kansas City for 50 years, has two sons, and three grandsons.