SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC–Nevada Senator Harry Reid announced today that the Obama administration has appointed Nevada’s state historic preservation officer Ron James to a four-year term on the National Park System Advisory Board. Reid nominated James, who has served on the National Historic Landmarks Committee since 2004 and will serve as a historian and folklorist on the Advisory Board.
“I’m pleased that Nevada will be represented at a national level on this 12-member board,” Reid said. “Throughout his career, Ron has shown his commitment to preserving Nevada’s history and heritage. I’m confident that he’ll continue to protect Nevada’s and our nation’s parks during his term on the National Park System Advisory Board.”
James has administered Nevada’s Office of Historic Preservation since 1983, and in 1991 he organized the Commission for Cultural Affairs, which has awarded more than $40 million for the restoration of historic buildings to be used as cultural centers.
“I hope to use this opportunity to advance Western causes,” James said. “The mission of the Park Service spans all the states, and each facility and program deserves the full support of Board members. But the West is too often neglected. It is important to bring the region’s issues to forefront of a national discussion.”
The Advisory Board also considers nominations for listings of National Natural Landmarks and on the historic significance of proposed national historic trails. In addition, the Board advises the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the National Park Service on the various programs administered by the National Park Service.
