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Snyder makes appointment, reappointment to State Historic Preservation Review Board

Jan. 28, 2014

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Rhonda Baker, of Caledonia, and reappointment of Ted Ligibel, of Lambertville, to the State Historic Preservation Review Board. 

Housed within the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the nine-member board reviews the nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places prior to submission to the Keeper of the National Register. It also has appellate jurisdiction under the Local Historic Districts Act, as amended, and provides general advice, guidance and professional recommendations to the State Historic Preservation Office on matters related to historic preservation. 

The board is composed of professionals in the fields of architecture, American history, architectural history, cultural geography, prehistoric and historic archaeology, historic preservation and related disciplines. 

“Rhonda and Ted are experienced professionals and will make valuable contributions to the board,” Snyder said. “I thank them for their willingness to serve.” 

Baker is a historic preservation specialist for the city of Grand Rapids, where she facilitates, coordinates and advocates historic preservation activities within the city. Previously, she worked as the historic preservation director and historic preservation assistant for the city of South Bend, Ind., and St. Joseph County. She is a member of the Old House Network, National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, Michigan Historic Preservation Network, National Trust, and City’s Design Team. Baker has a bachelor’s degree in public history from Western Michigan University. She will represent historic preservation and replaces Janese Chapman. 

Ligibel is director of Eastern Michigan University’s award-winning Historic Preservation Program. It is the largest graduate historic preservation program in the nation. He began his career in historic preservation in 1974 with the Landmarks Committee of the Maumee Valley Historical Society. Later, he became the regional preservation officer for the Northwest Ohio Historic Preservation Office, and affiliated the program with Bowling Green State University in 1978. He also worked as the director of the historical collection development program of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, and as a research associate with the University of Toledo’s Urban Affairs Center where he established the university’s first courses in historic preservation. 

Ligibel has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and human ecology from the University of Toledo, and both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in American studies from Bowling Green State University. He will continue to represent architectural history. 

Members serve four-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2017, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate. 

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