WASHINGTON, D.C. — Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Executive Director John M. Fowler today announced Druscilla J. Null has been named director of the Office of Preservation Initiatives. Null has been serving as acting director since April 2018.

“We are happy to have Dru assume this leadership role after her many years of exemplary work at the ACHP,” Fowler said. “Her depth of knowledge and experience in policy development and legislative analysis will be critical to the ACHP as we work toward promoting the social, economic, and environmental benefits of historic preservation.”

Null started work at the ACHP in 1984, first reviewing the impacts of federal projects and programs on historic properties in accordance with provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act. She joined the newly created Office of Preservation Initiatives in 2002. She has crafted ACHP policy positions and has served as principal staff point person for legislative analysis and for issues involving sustainability and climate resilience as they relate to preservation of historic properties. She participated in the development and implementation of the Preserve America program, designed to encourage and support the efforts of local communities to preserve and reuse their historic properties.

Before joining the ACHP, Null worked as a historic preservation consultant in the private sector. She has Bachelor’s degrees in History and Historic Preservation from Goucher College and a Master’s Degree in History (with a concentration in historic preservation) from George Washington University.

Null succeeds Ronald D. Anzalone, the former director of the Office of Preservation Initiatives, who retired from federal service March 31, 2018.

The Office of Preservation Initiatives supports the mission of the ACHP by developing policy recommendations, preparing special studies, analyzing legislation, and representing the ACHP in partnership activities. The office also provides key support to ACHP operations through work on the agency strategic plan, budget, and intern program.