ACHP Welcomes New Director of the Office of Tribal and Indigenous Peoples

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Executive Director Reid Nelson today announced Ashley Fry is the new director of the Office of Tribal and Indigenous Peoples (OTIP).

"Ashley is an experienced and dynamic professional who has a proven track record of leadership," Nelson said. "Her experience with the State Department and extensive knowledge on climate change impacts to historic properties and Indigenous Knowledge will make her an indispensable member of our leadership team as we work on these issues in the future."

Ashley comes to the ACHP from the U.S. Department of State's Cultural Heritage Center where she was the Executive Director of the Cultural Heritage Coordinating Committee and lead the White House Council on Native American Affairs International Repatriation Subcommittee. Her previous experience includes extensive work with Native American communities on the international repatriation of ancestors and significant cultural heritage, the promotion and protection of Native American art and craftwork, and the development of regulatory frameworks.

"I am excited to join such a talented and passionate team at the ACHP. As director, I intend to ensure Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and other Indigenous Peoples can actively and meaningfully participate in historic preservation," Ashley Fry said. "I strongly support the mission of the ACHP and intend to uphold it by working to advance the preservation priorities of all Indigenous Peoples, including through work with the White House Council on Native American Affairs."

Fry earned a B.A. from Trinity University and a J.D. from the University of Iowa and is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

She succeeds Jamie Lee Marks, who served as Acting Director since August and Ira Matt, who was Director from 2022 to 2024.

The Office of Tribal and Indigenous Peoplesadvises the ACHP leadership and staff on policy and program matters related to Native American issues, and offers technical assistance and outreach for tribal and Native Hawaiian organization consultation under the Section 106 review process.