EDUCATION
Syracuse University, A.B., 1965
Major: Sociology | Minor: Architecture
Syracuse University, Master of Regional Planning, 1969
University of New Hampshire, Master of Public Administration, 1976
Harvard Graduate School of Design, Course in Real Estate and the Development Process, 1981
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES IN RETIREMENT
August 2011 - Present: Have served on numerous non-profit boards, chaired capital campaigns for non-profits, and have participated in “immersion philanthropy” (fund raising through design and construction of building projects) for Lovering Health Center, Pontine Theatre, and Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Currently, guest curating an exhibit entitled Reinventing Portsmouth: Renewal and Renaissance, 1970s for the Portsmouth Historic Society.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Coventry Assets, LLC, Portsmouth, NH. Principal, Stockholder, and Manager (with a business partner), March 1994 - Present, of a real estate holding company that has developed and owns properties in downtown Portsmouth.
The Thoresen Group, Ltd., Portsmouth, NH. Principal and stockholder, March 1994 – August 2011. Founder of planning and real estate development consulting firm providing advisory and development services to clients and for own account.
Personal Sabbatical, Portsmouth, NH. August 1993 – March 1994. Working sabbatical to develop expertise on art and to carry out a one person gallery exhibit while exploring future art and other opportunities. Exhibited widely in regional galleries.
RKG Associates, Inc., Durham, NH. Vice President and stockholder, April 1989 – August 1993. Manager and/or producer of major urban planning, reuse feasibility and impact studies for private and public sector projects. Studies included military base reuse plans, real estate reuse potential closing of 11 mental health hospitals, economic and fiscal impact evaluations of multi-million dollar development projects, and economic development strategies for government units. Also directed property management, leasing and reuse analysis of distressed commercial properties for financial institutions.
The Thoresen Group, Portsmouth, NH. Principal, November 1977 – March 1989. Co-founder (with Susan Thoresen) of consulting firm specializing in planning, management and development consulting services to cities, towns, private sector and non-profit organizations. Expertise included feasibility and impact assessment of housing and commercial projects, analysis and reuse of historic properties, representing developers in regulatory hearings and approvals, and preparing innovative land use regulations.
City of Portsmouth, NH. Planning Director, December 1971 – November 1977. Directed Planning Department and all planning efforts for the City including comprehensive planning, visual environmental studies, historic preservation planning, and other phases of planning. Directed Community Block Grant Program, involving planning, implementation and administration of a $3.2 million, three-year program.
Neighborhood Information and Referral Office, Manchester, NH. Director of Community Affairs, November 1970 – December 1971. In charge of development, staff operations and training.
U.S. Army, Fort Benning, Georgia. Social work/Psychology Specialist, February, 1968 – November, 1970. Worked in a comprehensive mental health program including a clinical work and research. Co-authored articles in medical journals and a research study on drug abuse.
The Planning Services Group, Cambridge, MA. Planner, September – November 1967. Worked on planning and feasibility study for major federal facility in Cincinnati, OH.
OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
CityView Columnist. Wrote a monthly column of architecture, urban design and historic preservation for the Portsmouth Herald and formerly for Portsmouth Magazine, 1985 – 1996.
Real Estate Development. Conducted feasibility studies, purchased, planned and coordinated the development of several historic and new properties for own account.
Boston University, Boston, MA. Guest Lecturer, periodically since 1981. Lecturer on historic district commission decision-making.
HONORS
American Institute of Architects, New Hampshire, Elected to Honorary Membership, 2011, for distinguished work in city planning, historic preservation and urban design.
Commercial Development Award, Portsmouth Advocates for new 15,000 sq. ft. office/retail building, 1998.
Special Recognition Award for Downtown Revitalization efforts, Pro-Portsmouth, 1997.
Commercial Development Award, Portsmouth Advocates, for rehabilitation of a former jail, 1995.
Planning Journalism Award, American Planning Association (NNE Chapter) for CityView Column, 1991.
Gerrier Preservation Award, Portsmouth Advocates, for preservation work and historic preservation, 1991.
Vision 2020 Award, for a comprehensive vision and long-range planning in Portsmouth, 1991.
Listed in 1986 New Hampshire Notables.
Design in Excellence Award, City of Portsmouth, recycling of carriage house for professional offices, 1982.
Design Project Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts, 1978, given NEA Recognition Award, 1980.
National Finalist, White House Fellowship Program, 1977.
National Endowment for the Humanities Seminar for Public Administrators, Cornell University, June – July, 1976.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Market Square Steeple Advisory Committee, 2005-2007
Creek Farm Consultant Selection Task Force, Society for the Protection of NH Forests, 2005-2006
Portsmouth Athenaeum, Board of Directors, 2004-2006.
Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation, Board of Directors, 1998 – 2004, Chair, 2002 – 2004.
New Hampshire Art Association, Board of Directors, 1994 – 2004, President, 2005-2009.
Portsmouth Police Commission, Commissioner, 1992 –1993.
Mayor’s Task Force on Police Station Reuse. Chairman and principal author of reuse study, 1991 – 1992.
Japan America Society of New Hampshire, Vice President and founding member, 1985 – 2000.
Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Tax Assessment, 1984 – 1985.
Strawbery Banke, Inc., Board of Trustees, 1984 – 1989; Vice President, 1987 – 1989.
Granite State Public Radio, Inc. (WEVO), Board of Trustees, 1984 – 1986.
South Church Board of Governors, 1983 – 1986. Chairman, 1985 – 1986. Chairman, Capital Campaign and Restoration, 1986; Chair, Capital Campaign and Implementation Committee, 1997 – 2002.
Portsmouth Historical Society, Board of Trustees, 2020 - 2021
Preservation Action, Washington, D.C., Board of Directors, 1979 – 1986.
Theatre By The Sea, Board of Trustees, 1978 – 1981.
Seacoast Repertory Theatre, Board of Trustees, 2010-2011; Vice President, 2010-2011. Co-Chair, Capital Campaign Cabinet, 2019-2022
Seacoast United Way, Board of Directors, 1975-1981. President 1979-1980.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
New Hampshire Planners Association, Director 1974 – 1976.
Founder and Editor, NHPA Newsletter, 1974 – 1976.
American Planning Association
New Hampshire Art Association, Juried Member