September 11, 1997
PTO 97-17

Press Release 97-17

PRESIDENT CLINTON NAMES BRUCE A. LEHMAN ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC -- President Clinton today announced the appointment of Bruce A. Lehman as Acting Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

In making the announcement, the White House emphasized that Mr. Lehman will serve in this capacity only on an interim basis in order to give the President time to select a permanent Chairman. Mr. Lehman will remain fully engaged in serving as Assistant Secretary and Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks at the U.S. Department of Commerce. As Commissioner, Mr. Lehman has been responsible for the protection of American intellectual property. This experience will serve him well at the NEH, which fosters and recognizes the work of America's artistic and creative community.

During his four years in the Clinton Administration, Mr. Lehman has compiled an outstanding record of accomplishment, and has been a leader in the effort to streamline and reengineer the Federal government. He has been the Administration's point person on intellectual property issues, particularly as they relate to the National Information Infrastructure. His work and public service have been honored on numerous occasions, including by the National Law Journal which named him "Lawyer of the Year" for 1994.

The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent federal agency headed by a Chair. The Agency supports research, education, and public programs in the humanities.

###