Nearly five decades after founding EverGreene Architectural Arts, Jeff Greene is stepping back from day-to-day executive leadership. Jeff will remain on the Board of Directors, continuing to champion traditional craft in historic preservation with clients, partners, and the broader community.
Guiding EverGreene into its next chapter is President and Chief Operating Officer Toland Grinnell. Toland’s career began at age 18 as a decorative painter under Jeff’s mentorship. His path, shaped by formative experiences both inside and outside the company, reflects Jeff’s vision of cultivating talent. Under Toland’s leadership, a seasoned team of artists, craftspeople, and preservationist—many with decades of tenure—will carry forward EverGreene’s dedication to craft, innovation, and excellence as the company approaches its 50th anniversary.
“I’m deeply proud to pass the torch to Toland and our exceptional team. EverGreene has always been about preserving our cultural heritage and ensuring these vital traditional skills survive and thrive. This transition allows me to focus on what continues to drive me: the craft itself and inspiring the next generation of artisans.”
Jeff Greene, Founder
As a visionary entrepreneur, Jeff transformed the small painting studio he founded in 1978 into the nation’s largest specialty contractor dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historic architecture and art. Under his passionate leadership, EverGreene has contributed to many of America’s most treasured and iconic landmarks, including the Library of Congress, the U.S. Capitol, 41 state capitols, hundreds of cathedrals and churches, and more than 400 theaters nationwide.
Jeff’s enduring legacy also lies in the profound impact he has had on the preservation industry—championing traditional craft, advancing the field of historic preservation, and elevating architectural arts through mastering traditional techniques as well as embracing cutting-edge technology. Formally trained as an artist and muralist at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture, he has never stopped learning. Jeff will continue to study with masters across the globe to both learn and educate others about both traditional and innovative decorative finishes and art.
“Jeff taught me that the surest path to lasting impact is simple: do good work and do it exceptionally well. Quality creates trust, brings more opportunities, and ensures that our work stands the test of time.”
Toland Grinnell, President & Chief Operating Officer
Over the years, Jeff’s dedication to the preservation community has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s Arthur Ross Award for Artisanship (2011), the New York Preservation League’s Pillar Award (2014), the Historic District Council’s Landmark Lion Award (2017), and in 2023, Jeff was invited to join the College of Fellows at APT’s annual conference in Seattle.
“Working alongside Jeff has shown me that EverGreene’s strength lies in our unwavering commitment to each client and the success of their projects. As we move forward under Toland’s leadership, we’re positioned stronger than ever to expand our impact while continuing to deliver the aesthetic, practical, and durable solutions that set us apart.”
Kim Lovejoy, Senior Business Development Executive
During the official celebrations of Jeff Greene’s retirement on September 29, it was announced that the company is establishing the The Jeff Greene Traditional Trades in Historic Preservation Scholarship to honor Jeff’s lifelong dedication to nurturing talent in the traditional trades. The fund will provide vital support to students pursuing education in traditional crafts and preservation fields.
EverGreene celebrates Jeff Greene’s extraordinary career with deep gratitude, honoring a legacy that will live on in every project and person he has touched.
PRESS RELEASE, OCTOBER 1, 2025
