The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can
be read on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/042110.shtm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2010

IMLS Press Contacts 
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Announces Reich as Associate Deputy Director, Office of Museum
Services

Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is
pleased to announce the selection of Christopher J. Reich as the
Associate Deputy Director for Museums. In this position, Reich will
oversee the agency's museum grant programs and supervise the museum
program staff. 

"Since he joined IMLS, Chris Reich has exhibited the leadership
qualities that also characterized his many years in the museum field.
His vision, experience, and dedication to museums and the communities
they serve make him a splendid choice for this important position," said
Marsha L. Semmel, acting director of IMLS.

Reich has been with IMLS since 2006, previously serving as a Senior
Program Officer in the agency's Office of Museum Services. In that
position, he launched and oversaw the Museum Grants for African American
History and Culture program and managed the 21st Century Museum
Professionals grant program. He was also responsible for coordinating
the review of nominations for the National Medals for Museum Service and
acting as a liaison to the American Association of Museums (AAM) in the
implementation of the Museum Assessment Program (MAP).

"This position offers me a wonderful opportunity to broaden my work with
the outstanding staff in the Office of Museum Services and other
departments within IMLS as we continue to enhance and improve our
services for museums and libraries. I am eager to continue forging
relationships with museums, universities, and service organizations that
are building stronger museums to meet the needs of communities
nationwide," Reich said. 

Prior to joining IMLS, Reich was the director and CEO of the Putnam
Museum of History and Natural Science in Davenport, Iowa, where he
oversaw the completion of an innovative environmental exhibit hall, the
construction of an IMAX(r) 3D Theatre, and the creation of a new image
for the 135-year-old institution, which serves 18 counties in eastern
Iowa and western Illinois. Previously, he served for 13 years as
director of the Anniston Museum of Natural History in Anniston, Alabama,
where his implementation of professional practices resulted in the
museum's accreditation by the AAM. He also worked for nine years as the
curator of natural sciences at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich,
Connecticut, where he was involved with the care and control of natural
history collections and the expansion of educational and volunteer
programming.

Reich holds a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology and a Master of
Business Administration degree. He has served on the governing boards of
the Southeastern Museums Conference and the Iowa Museum Association and
served terms as president of the Association of Midwest Museums, the
Alabama Museums Association, and the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association.
Reich has also been active in the communities where he has lived over
the years, including participation in Rotary clubs, chambers of
commerce, and other organizations.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services 
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of
federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the
national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to
sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and
innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about
the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.