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, [log in to unmask] Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] 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.