SALEM, Oregon – Libby Provost of Portland and Randall Melton of Pendleton have been appointed by Governor Tina Kotek to a four-year term on the Oregon Heritage Commission.
Libby Provost is an architectural historian and interpretive specialist with Historical Research Associates, Inc. She manages projects in cultural resources management as well as exhibit development and oral history. She has a BA in history from Linfield University and MA in history from Portland State University. Provost grew up in St. Helens, OR. “It’s a true honor to be appointed to the Commission and to be able to impact heritage efforts statewide. Preserving and sharing the diverse stories of people living here is such an important mission and I look forward to helping to empower folks to do this,” said Heritage Commissioner Provost.
Randall Melton is the Exhibits Coordinator for Tamastslikt Cultural Institute located on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Pendleton where Melton grew up. He is an enrolled member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.
“These two Commissioners each bring a different perspective to the Commission that helps continue to keep the broad spectrum of heritage preservation in mind when working towards the mission of securing, sustaining and enhancing Oregon’s heritage,” said Katie Henry, Heritage Commission Coordinator.
The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon’s heritage and geographical diversity. There are also nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations.
There is one appointed position currently vacant on the Oregon Heritage Commission and two positions that will become vacant June 2024. The Heritage Commission is especially seeking members with knowledge and experience related to community institutions, heritage tourism, or education/higher education and who have experience working with diverse cultural groups. The Commission seeks applications from those that live in the Southern, Willamette Valley, and Central Oregon area.
The Heritage Commission’s nine members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission is the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in the state. This includes carrying out the Oregon Heritage Plan, increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication among interest groups, developing plans for coordination among agencies and organizations, encouraging tourism related to heritage resources, and coordinating statewide anniversary celebrations.
The group meets four-six times per year in changing locations around the state and will offer virtual options to attend meetings. Commissioners are also asked to occasionally participate in meetings or events in their regions and work on other projects outside of meeting time. Appointed Commissioners are reimbursed for their travel and related expenses while conducting official commission business.
More information about the Oregon Heritage Commission is available online at www.oregonheritage.org and from Commission coordinator Katie Henry at 503-877-8834 or [email protected].
To request appointment, go to Governor Tina Kotek’s Boards and Commissions webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/board-list.aspx.