Jul 17, 2021 3 min read

Washington’s former Main Street manager is the new executive director of the National Road Heritage Corridor.

Sarah Collier started her new job last month following the retirement of Donna Holdorf, who held the position for 20 years.

“She’s had such an impact and legacy for 20 years,” Collier said of Holdorf. “She has done such neat things and expanded what the National Road Heritage Corridor is.”

Shana Brown, of East Washington, will replace Collier as the Washington Business District Authority’s Main Street Manager at the beginning of August, according to Washington Mayor Scott Putnam.

“Sarah did a good job in keeping the BDA moving in the right direction,” Putnam said. “She got an opportunity that was right for her. We don’t want to stand in the way of personal growth, but we’re sad to see her go.”

The NRHC is a nonprofit 501©(3) corporation that was designated as a state heritage area in 1994 and as a National Scenic Byway – “All American Road” in 2002. The agency collaborates with local, state and national-heritage partners along the corridor in developing and enhancing the visitor experience along the National Road, which is the site of arguably the most important revolutionary events in the country’s history.

“I love stories,” Collier said, adding that she also loves promoting heritage of the area – not only the history, but the culture, traditions, foods, arts, and the natural landscape. “There’s so many impactful and poignant and fascinating nooks and crannies in this region.”

Originally from Baltimore, Collier moved to the area 14 years ago when her partner landed a job in Southwestern Pennsylvania and they decided to put down roots.

Collier said her job as the authority’s Main Street manager enabled her to become familiar with the NRHC.

“The National Road runs through Washington, so Donna was one of the very first people I met,” Collier said, adding that she had worked closely with Holdorf during her time at the authority. “Working with the Main Street Program, I got to know National Road Heritage Corridor, so I just felt like this is a good and exciting next step.”

Collier said the parts of the area having a significant role in America’s history is something that may have been forgotten in the day-to-day life of people who live here or are visiting.

“We want to remind people of that and help them learn about the parts of history they didn’t get a whole lot of exposure in school to because when they think of revolution, they think of Philadelphia or Boston,” Collier said, noting that the events of the French and Indian War and their significance to the area and beyond are overlooked at times. “The French and Indian War is a huge part of how we became a country.”

Collier also wants to highlight the people and the businesses in the area that stand out and draw pride to the places along the National Road.

“The most profound parts of Donna’s legacy is that she acted in service to the people and to the communities,” Collier said, adding that the people in the communities have helped move the area forward. “We are a facilitator. It is my time to listen and observe and talk to as many people as possible and find how to continue that legacy of service.”

Jon Andreassi contributed to this story.