# Leadership transition at Old Plovdiv Municipal Institute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/leadership-transition-at-old-plovdiv-municipal-institute > Updated: 2026-10-19T12:19:52.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Professor Elena Kantareva-Decheva has retired from her position as director of the Municipal Institute ‘Old Plovdiv’. Her tenure included the restoration of the Small and Episcopal Basilicas of Philippopolis, though it was also marked by controversies involving the management of historic buildings, such as the Pamporova House fire and structural issues at the Balabanova House. Donka Nalbanova, formerly a chief expert in the Plovdiv Municipality’s Department of Culture, Archaeology, and Cultural Heritage, has been appointed as the interim director. Nalbanova will lead the institute until a formal competition is conducted to select a permanent successor. The municipality is working with the Ministry of Culture to define the selection criteria. Upcoming priorities for the institute include the renovation of the Roman Stadium, the Ancient Theatre, Balabanova House, and Pamporova House, alongside the modernization of tourist information centers. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Donka Nalbanova appointed interim director of Old Plovdiv Institute Donka Nalbanova has been named interim director of the Municipal Institute ‘Old Plovdiv’ following the retirement of Professor Elena Kantareva-Decheva. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donka-nalbanova-appointed-interim-director-of-old-plovdiv-institute ### 2026-10-16: Elena Kantareva-Decheva retires as director of Old Plovdiv Professor Elena Kantareva-Decheva has retired as director of the ‘Old Plovdiv’ Municipal Institute, leaving a legacy of major basilica restorations alongside controversies over uninsured heritage sites. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elena-kantareva-decheva-retires-as-director-of-old-plovdiv --- Cite as: Leadership transition at Old Plovdiv Municipal Institute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/leadership-transition-at-old-plovdiv-municipal-institute