Archivist of the United States Appoints Director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Press Release · Monday, December 15, 2014

Washington, DC

Michael D. Ellzey to start January 12, 2015

Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero announced today the appointment of Michael D. Ellzey as the Director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, effective January 12, 2015.

The Nixon Library, located in Yorba Linda, California, is one of 13 libraries in the Presidential Library system administered by the National Archives and Records Administration and overseen by the Office of Presidential Libraries. The Presidential Libraries house the records of Presidents Herbert Hoover through George W. Bush and preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire.

In making the announcement, Mr. Ferriero cited Mr. Ellzey’s unique background to lead the multifaceted library and museum and join the system of world class presidential libraries: “Michael’s extensive experience in managing large cultural and civic organizations will greatly benefit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum and the National Archives.”

Following 13 years working with publicly held companies in Silicon Valley, Mr. Ellzey began a career in public service that includes executive appointments with the cities of San Jose, San Francisco, and Irvine, California. In 1991, he was appointed executive director of the San Jose Arena Authority, a public agency responsible for overseeing the construction and operation of the San Jose Arena. In 2000, Ellzey was appointed chief executive officer of the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority, the agency that supervised the renovation of the arts and cultural district in Golden Gate Park, site of the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. In his current assignment with the City of Irvine, Mr. Ellzey is chief executive officer of the Orange County Great Park Corporation. Appointed in 2008, he is overseeing the conversion of publicly owned land at the former Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, into a 1,300-acre metropolitan park in the heart of Orange County.

Mr. Ellzey holds a Juris Doctor degree from Lincoln University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from San Jose State University. He and his wife, Melanie, reside in Ladera Ranch, California, with two of their four children. Ellzey served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War era.

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For press information contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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