Neville House circa 1936. Photo Credit: Charles M. Stotz Photographs, 1901-1975, MSP 21, Library and Archives Division, Senator John Heinz History Center
Leadership & Staff
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT | SUSAN O’TOOLE | 2019 to Present
A long-time resident of the Pittsburgh area with a deep love of 18th century history, O’Toole first began volunteering at Woodville in 1985. Over the past 10 years, she has served as board member and Vice President of the Neville House Associates. She was a Realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate, working out of their Mt. Lebanon office for over 24 years. She currently resides in Rosslyn Farms with her husband Martin.
VICE PRESIDENT | ROB WINDHORST
President Emeritus 2005-2015 & Director of Communications
A member of the Neville House Associates since 1992, and President Emeritus 2005- 2015/Director of Communications of the organization, Windhorst is our resident expert on 18th century history in general and Woodville history in particular. He currently serves as a sales representative of Kravet Fabrics in Pittsburgh. Prior he served in the same capacity at F. Schumacher & Co., Duralee Fabrics, Waverly Fabrics and Wallcoverings/Greff Fabrics and Wallcovering. Windhorst began his career at J.C. Penny as a Senior Merchandiser and later a Senior Merchandise Managers – Home Textiles. He is a 1988 graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he earned a BS in Marketing and History. Rob and his wife, Erin, reside in Ingram.
TREASURER | LORI FEOLA
Lori is our newest board member taking over the position of Treasurer as of 1/1/2023.
Lori has worked as an accountant with several local companies and has served as Treasurer for School groups, PTAs and Swim Clubs. Most recently she has been a part-time accountant for Bookminders in Pittsburgh. Lori and her husband, Joe reside in Rosslyn Farms.
BOARD MEMBERS
ROBERT L. ECKLE (Woodville Barn Committee)
Bob served as President of NHA from 2015-2019 and was instrumental in the purchase, dismantling, transporting and building of the 1810 barn which now resides on the Woodville Site.
A 1981 graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where he earned a degree in Geology as well as a degree School of Public and Environmental Affairs. His career includes management positions at Mark Resources, Gasco Distribution Systems, and Equitable Resources. In 1999, he founded Appalachian Producer Services Corporation where he currently serves as president.
Eckle is active in community philanthropical efforts as 3rd degree Free Mason, a volunteer for Venture Outdoors and a member of the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association. He is currently serving as the Chairman of NHA’s Woodville Experience Capital Campaign, which is raising funds to improve and enhance the Woodville National Historic Landmark site. He currently makes his home in Canonsburg.
BRIAN ROMAN (Legal Counsel)
Growing up a few miles from the Oriskany battlefield and Fort Stanwix in central New York’s historic Mohawk Valley, Brian’s love for the stories and places central to America’s founding started early. A visit to Woodville with his then teenage daughter inspired them both to volunteer at Woodville. Brian led tours of the site for several years as a docent and joined the NHA Board. He is a graduate of Cornell University and the SUNY Buffalo law school and a member of the Pennsylvania bar. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. He is Global General Counsel and an executive officer of the pharmaceutical company, Viatris. Brian and his wife, Mary, reside in Mt. Lebanon.
JIMMY KOVANIS (Grounds & Security)
MARY ROMAN (Grants Committee)
CHRIS STYS
Chris is a free-lance Art Director/Consultant who has extensive experience in creating innovative campaigns and branding strategies. Chris came to us through his son, Julian, who is a dedicated reenactor with Woodville’s Wayne’s Legion. We are delighted to have Chris help us with our marketing.
A Brief History. . .
In 1974 Pittsburgh History & Landmarks purchased the Neville House and property from the Wrenshall Family. Shortly thereafter the NEVILLE HOUSE AUXILLIARY of PHLF was formed to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of the Neville House. A dedicated group of women and men, including Betsy Martin of Rosslyn Farms and Patricia Tallon of Mt. Lebanon (co-chairs) worked tirelessly to raise the needed funds by having luncheons, antique shows, bake sales, etc. In 1998 the NEVILLE HOUSE ASSOCIATES was incorporated and continued the important work of running this National Historic Landmark. (It first opened to the public in the early 1980’s).
PARTNERS IN PRESERVATION
PITTSBURGH HISTORY & LANDMARKS FOUNDATION
Since purchasing the property in the 1970’s, PHLF has been actively involved the the operation and maintenance of Woodville. PHLF turned the property over to the care and operation in 2007, but retains a “historic easement” on the property. Since then NHA has operated the site with some financial support from PHLF. Their foresight and generosity has been a primary reason that Woodville remains a significant historical site in southwestern Pennsylvania.
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA – ALLEGHENY COMMITTEE
The local chapter of the NSCDA has been a partner with NHA for nearly 20 years and has bought, donated or loaned many of the furnishings in the house. NSCDA promotes the preservation and restoration of many historic homes in the United States, and we are proud to be one of them. The local committee has been actively involved in raising funds to maintain the house and furnishings.
STAFF
Woodville Site Director (Part-Time)
Susan W.H. Smith
Susan has a MA from University of Montana (Missoula) in Socio-Cultural Anthropology and a BAs from Washington College in Humanities and Sociology. Susan brings a very varied work background from a number of nonprofits, but most recently extensive administrative experience from her position as Executive Assistant at Phipps Conservatory. She can be reached at woodvillesitedirector@gmail.com.
Facilities Manager
Dan Ragaller
Dan is a long-time volunteer and member of Wayne’s Legion and is very knowledgeable about period firearms. In 2020 he retired from maintenance work and became our full-time Facilities Manager. Dan keeps an eye on the property and does many repairs as well as overseeing bigger jobs. In 2020-21 he worked alongside the Amish crew helping to build our 1810 barn and cabin.
LIASONS
ANNE GENTER
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks
GEZ EBBERT
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America
ADVISORS
NINA SCHREINER
Archaeology
JAMES GALBRAITH
Preservation