Megan McElfresh

Megan McElfresh is a nationally recognized speaker, writer, community advocate, and dedicated artisan with deep roots at the intersection of preservation trades, architectural glass art, and community service. Growing up in stained glass studios instilled in her a passion for hands-on creative trades education, while her relentless curiosity about glass as a material and her research into community economic systems drive her to build innovative, collaborative solutions that strengthen community connections.

Megan thrives where glass artistry meets social impact, pushing boundaries to ensure that art and preservation remain vibrant, inclusive forces for positive change. Her ongoing research investigates how preservation practices impact the trades ecosystem and how thoughtful preservation can sustainably maintain our built environment, enhancing community resilience and economic development.

As the Executive Director of the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA), she is committed to breaking down barriers to craftsmanship education, recognizing that our history is not merely a relic but a living, evolving story that must be nurtured through collaboration and inclusive innovation.