Date: August 16, 2007
Contact: Tom Ross, (401) 762-0250
Contact: Lisa Mosczynski, (508) 341-4876

Jan Reitsma

Jan Reitsma Appointed Executive Director of the Heritage Corridor Commission and Superintendent of the Roger Williams National Memorial

Woonsocket, RI. Jan Reitsma has been named the Executive Director of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and the Superintendent of the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, Rhode Island. He will enter on duty on September 2, 2007. Acting Executive Director Thomas E. Ross will return to his position as Deputy Director for the Corridor.

The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor was designated by Congress in 1986 to commemorate the region’s place in history as the birthplace of the American industrial revolution. It encompasses 24 communities between Worcester, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island along the 46-mile Blackstone River.

“The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is a model for heritage corridor development,” said John Latschar, Acting Regional Director for the National Park Service Northeast Region. “We sought a director with strong skills in partnership development and strategic planning. Jan also understands the Corridor’s tradition of success.”

Reitsma has had a successful career in public service and environmental protection. He served as Assistant Secretary, Environmental Impact Review, and served as Undersecretary for Policy and Programs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA). He was the Director of Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), an organization of more than 500 employees with an operating budget of $75 million.

In his capacity as RIDEM Director, Reitsma was an active Corridor Commissioner. “Jan was valued for his hands-on approach and leadership.” said Commission Chairman Edward F. Sanderson. “He brings the skills we need to lead the Corridor into the future.”  

“It is a privilege to serve as the next Executive Director to the Commission at this time in the Corridor’s development,” Reitsma stated. “My work in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and with the Heritage Corridor has made it clear to me that work of the Commission, the National Park Service staff, and corridor partners have been the catalyst for considerable collaboration, vision, and tangible results in preserving the resources and heritage of this region. I look forward to continuing the tradition of bi-state collaboration and partnerships during my tenure.”

Recently, Reitsma has worked as a consultant on environmental issues, specializing in brokering collaboration among government, industry, academia, and grass roots organizations. He also served as adjunct lecturer at Brown University’s Center for Environmental Studies. He has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from Brown University and a Juris Doctorate from Northeastern University School of Law. He enjoys sailing and other outdoor activities. Reitsma resides with his family in Barrington, RI.

For more information about the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, go to www.nps.gov/blac/.

NPS