Miles Green was named Executive Director of Patronato San Xavier, a nonsectarian, nonprofit organization founded by Southern Arizona community leaders in 1978 to promote the restoration, maintenance and preservation of Mission San Xavier del Bac, a National Historic Landmark since 1963.

Miles trained as a psychologist and has had a varied career spanning clinical services, education, and business.  Throughout his life, community service has been an important value and he has been a volunteer and Board member with organizations focused on the arts, social service and advocating for social justice. Originally from New Zealand, Miles has lived in Tucson since 1988.

“Miles brings the passion and desire to see us succeed to his new role with Patronato,” said Chuck Albanese, President of the Patronato Board of Directors. “His diverse skills and talents combined with the interests and energy of our board members will help us complete the final phase of a complex and thorough renovation of our beloved Mission, and ensure that funds are available for its on-going maintenance.”

Patronato San Xavier began offering visitors free docent-led tours four years ago for the first time in the Mission’s 218-year history. Docents are community volunteers trained in the history, architecture, and culture of the Mission and its surroundings. Forty-five minute tours are available several times a day, every day except Sunday. In 2014, docents conducted 1,800 tours for 24,000 visitors. With 27,000 tour participants expected in 2015, docent recruitment is underway.

The exterior restoration that began in 1988 is continuing with the restoration of the East Tower. A public fundraising campaign kicked off earlier this year. The goal is $3 million, of which $800,000 has already been raised. Interior renovation began in 1992, when Patronato hired Guggenheim conservator Paul Schwartzbaum who put together a team of international art conservators to preserve and clean the church interior.  The team spent six seasons conserving the wall paintings and sculpture throughout the church interior. Since 2002, Tim Lewis, a member of Tohono O’odham community of Wa:k, and his wife Matilde Rubio – both of whom had roles on the Schwartzbaum team – have continued the work to preserve San Xavier’s priceless interior.