CED Professor Appointed by Barack Obama to Cultural Property Advisory Committee

This past fall, University of Georgia College of Environment and Design professor James Reap was appointed by President Barack Obama as a new member of the Department of State’s Cultural Property Advisory Committee. Reap is one of 15 new appointees selected to aid the White House in key administrative posts.

The Cultural Property Advisory Committee, which was established in 1983, advises the president on “appropriate U.S. action in response to requests from State Parties for assistance in protecting their cultural heritage.”

“These fine public servants bring a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their important roles,” said Obama.

The Cultural Property Advisory Committee is comprised of 11 members that serve renewable, three-year terms. The committee’s members are broken up into certain profiles, such anthropology, international sale of cultural property, or general public interest. Additionally, members can only be appointed by the president.

Reap, who serves as the CED’s coordinator of the Master of Historic Preservation program, has had a long, distinguished career in preservation. He is currently a board member of the Lawyers’ Committee for Cultural Heritage Preservation, the United States Committee of the Blue Shield and a founding member and former board member of the Georgia Alliance and National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. Reap also provides training and technical assistance to preservation commissions throughout the United States.