VALLEY — Valley resident, Victoria “Tori” Martinez has been named as a new board member to the Colorado Historic Preservation Review Board.

The board reviews the State of Colorado Historic Preservation Plan. In addition, the board also reviews and approves National Register nominations prior to submission to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, DC. When appropriate, the board may provide written opinions on the significance of properties.

Victoria is the executive director of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area in southern Colorado. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Adams State University and a master’s degree from Arizona State University. Her expertise adds a diverse perspective and brings an understanding regarding the significance of cultural preservation in rural areas of the state. As a social scientist her research focuses on women and minorities in rural areas. She has supported research for the National Science Foundation, The Colorado Trust, Adams State University, and the San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center. Tori is also the author two books and the blog, “Rethinking Rural Women”, which provides information to anyone interested in the well-being of women in rural areas.

“I am honored to serve on this board and represent rural southern Colorado. It means a great deal for rural communities and all of Colorado to have properties in the region whose significance and history are recognized by the state and the nation. I am happy to be part of that process,” said Martinez.

The Colorado Historic Preservation Review Board is composed of twelve to fifteen members, not including ex officio members, appointed by the Governor and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO).  Composition of the Board includes at least one recognized professional in each of the disciplines of American history, prehistoric archaeology, historical archaeology, architecture and architectural history.  The board also consists of citizen members with demonstrated interest or competence in archaeology or historic preservation.  The two State Advisors to the National Trust for Historic Preservation serve as voting members ex officio.

The term of the Board members is two years, renewable. One-half of the members are appointed every year by the Governor and the SHPO. Members may be appointed for a total of three consecutive terms.  Members having served three consecutive terms are again eligible for appointment after having been off the Board for a period of one year. The governor and SHPO make appointments to fill vacancies any time during the term for the balance of the unfilled term.

The Board meets at least three times during each calendar year. Meetings of the Board are open to the public with notice of date and time meeting the requirements in the current Federal regulations.  The State Historic Preservation Officer serves as chairperson of the board; in the absence of the SHPO, a deputy SHPO serves.  The chairperson only votes to break a tie.

For more information on the Colorado Historic Preservation Review Board visit the state website at https://www.historycolorado.org/colorado-historic-preservation-and-state-register-review-boards