New Mexico History Museum gets interim director

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A career employee with the National Park Service has been named interim director of the New Mexico History Museum and Palace of the Governors.

State officials announced Billy Garrett’s appointment Wednesday.

Garrett worked for the park service for 26 years, focusing on management of cultural resources, environmental design and community planning. His work involved Civil War battlefields, the Grand Canyon and other locations.

After retiring, he returned to New Mexico and served two terms as a Dona Ana County commissioner.

As interim director, he’ll oversee the museum’s daily operations along with development of exhibitions and public programs. The museum campus in Santa Fe also includes a historic press, photo archives and the Native American Artisans program.

The museum’s board of regents will conduct a national search for a permanent director.