Profile

HÉCTOR M. ABREU, PMAIC OBJECTIVE To contribute my extensive experience to an organization where my experience and knowledge in historic preservation, environmental science, history and cultural resource management can be successfully utilized. EDUCATION 1979 - 1984 University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR B.S. Civil Engineering * Minor in Environmental Science 1988 - 1990 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA M.S. in Historic Preservation Thesis: Rehabilitation Guidelines for Historic Adobe Architecture Member of the Honor Society of Sigma Pi Kappa, Honor Society of the National Council for Preservation Education. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 01/2022 – Present: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 425 I Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 VA Federal Preservation Officer (FPO) • As FPO served as VA’s cultural resource management expert and as the agency’s technical expert for compliance with Section 106 and Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). • As FPO used accepted and common, as well as state-of-the-art, anthropological, archeological, ethnographic, historical, and cultural resource management/historic preservation procedures and techniques to ensure that VA’s undertakings, under Section 106 and Section 110 comply with the NHPA and similar environmental compliance-regulations and rules such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). • As FPO provided advice and guidance to VA senior managers and attorneys and VA Historic Preservation Office (VAHPO) personnel in the application of the NHPA and the rules established by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) to implement the NHPA, the VA’s rules and procedures for compliance with Section 106 and Section 110 of the NHPA, and NEPA that pertain to environmental conditions affecting historic sites and features, cultural resources and landscapes, and resources important to external parties that might be impacted by VA’s undertakings. 05/2018 – 01/2022: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 425 I Street, NW Washington , DC 20001 Senior Historic Preservation Specialist  Manage more than 1,700 historic properties, ranging from national cemetery monuments to staff quarters to designed landscapes.  Directly assist with the management of the overall scope, objectives, development and implementation of VA's historic preservation program in accordance with the NHPA, especially Section 110 requiring agencies to establish a program to use, protect and preserve historic properties, and Section 106, requiring agencies to consult on planned undertakings.  Formulate VA-wide policies, guidelines, processes and procedures for implementing the agency's historic preservation program. 2009 – Present: Historic Preservation Services, Alexandria, VA Principal  Self-owned consulting firm dedicated to servicing all aspects of historic preservation and cultural resources.  Expertise in Section 106 consultation and agreement document drafting as well as NEPA compliance.  Expertise in conservation services such as materials analysis, field investigations and conservation specifications, maintenance plans and report preparation. ▪ Expertise in historic documentation, National Register preparation structural analysis, federal, state and local preservation regulatory compliance, and cultural resource management. 2015 – Present: U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Region XI, Washington, DC Senior Historic Preservation Specialist ▪ In conjunction with organizational directors and deputy directors works in support of and significantly contributes to the development of agency- wide policy on a variety of diverse and complex technical, professional or administrative issues related to historic preservation and restoration. Provides administrative and technical expertise to GSA personnel and components of the NCR: as a recognized expert in the historic preservation field, is called upon to review and/or assess problematic or potentially controversial situations which are either out of the ordinary, unique or otherwise unusual in nature. ▪ Provides technical expertise and actively guides GSA design, construction, site acquisition and other activities affecting historic buildings in the purview of the NCR. Serves as designated liaison to the NCR, keeping the client informed regarding preservation issues and project milestones. Advises the client and assists in making final determinations on key programmatic decisions related to historic preservation activities. Exercises specific responsibility for ensuring implementation and compliance with mandated legal, regulatory and agency requirements and guidance. ▪ Monitors Federal agency operations and studies worldwide design developments to avail GSA of the best available technology and design prototypes related to functional requirements and architectural/historic reservation parameters. Maintains ongoing liaison with project managers, the NCR, other federal agency, private industry and contractor personnel for the purpose of exchanging current data regarding historic preservation projects and proposed changes in policies and plans. Interprets laws such as National historic Preservation Act policies, regulations and other operating guidelines established by Central Office and regional personnel. Provides expert advice and guidance to client agency liaisons and personnel. ▪ Insures compliance with agency directives and policy guidance. Provides guidance to GSA managers, employees and client agencies. Prepares reports, meetings and publicity material profiling organizational preservation activities. Ensures the availability of technical information, preservation guidelines, and information on historic buildings to regional staff. Responds to GSA regional and external requests for information required in connection with agency reporting requirements and to support national initiatives. Coordinates public outreach activities and conducts briefings, discussions and negotiations with higher agency representatives, GSA managers and supervisors. 2013 – 2015: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region VI, Denton, TX Environmental/Historic Preservation Specialist/Tribal Liaison ▪ Primary responsibility is to assist in the implementation of applicable federal environmental/historic laws, as they pertain to FEMA’s disaster programs for recovery activities. These include the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); the Endangered Species Act; the National Historic Preservation Act; and Executive Orders 11988, 11990 and 12898. Working with Tribes and their cultural resources as it relates to the NHPA’s Section 106 compliance process. ▪ Responsible for the development, review of and technical commenting on environmental studies, environmental assessments, development of disaster program EHP compliance guidance and training information on EHP compliance issues. ▪ Assist in completing, managing, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and implementing National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 reviews to include completing consultations, notifications, negotiations, outreach and training with State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO) and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO) regarding compliance with federal and tribal historic and cultural resources legislation and overseeing programmatic agreements 2010 – 2012: National Park Service, Frederick, MD Conservator  Principal 1099 Consultant for bronze conservation works at Chickamauga/Chattanooga National Military Park, Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Responsible for the conservation of eight historic monuments and bronze statues. ▪ Principal investigator and author of conservation report for long-term cultural resource maintenance plan. 2009: University of Maryland - School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, College Park, MD Adjunct Professor in Historic Preservation Program Graduate Course titled: Conservation of Historic Places: Historic Materials, Buildings Systems, and Conservation. (HISP 670) 2003 – 2009: Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Washington, DC General Services Administration Liaison  Independent Federal agency. Providing services to the General Services Administration on the management of their historic Federal building inventory throughout the United States.  Monitor and manage agency Section 106 regulatory compliance per the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) as well as Sections 110 stewardship and Section 111 out leasing initiatives and NEPA. Involved in over 100 106 cases.  Designed and taught NHPA and Section 106 course for GSA employees at all 11 Regions around the country. Over 980 employees trained. 1999 – 2003: Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA Chair of Historic Preservation Department  Direct supervisor for five faculty members, including defining, assigning, supervising and evaluating work performance.  Responsible for departmental program development, budget, monitoring and assessment of faculty and student academic performance.  Direct and implementation of departmental recruitment efforts and provide student advisement for Graduate and Undergraduate schools. 1997 – 1999: Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA Professor of Historic Preservation  Responsible for developing courses related to Building Conservation, Historic Paint Analysis, Preservation Law, Architectural History and Advanced Conservation Science.  Principal designer and manager of the first Materials Conservation Laboratory (MCL) at the college.  Created three new courses for the effective utilization of the MCL facility.  Established the Adopt-a-Preservationist program for student pro-bono work in the community. Supervised close to 12 projects. Featured in article in Southern Living Magazine (2002) as an innovative college initiative. 1995 – 1997: San Juan Bay Estuary Program, San Juan, PR Scientific Coordinator  National Estuary Program pursuant to Section 420 of the Clean Waters Act.  Responsible for supervising the production and accuracy of various technical studies related to the estuary of San Juan.  Published various technical fact sheets, reports and final environmental conservation management plans for the estuary. 1994 – 1995: Municipality of Caguas, Caguas, PR Advisor to the Director on Environmental and Preservation Issues  Office of Planning and Urban Development.  Program Manager for major projects in the municipality (i.e. Restoration of Municipal Archives Building, restoration of Plaza Mayor, and Historic District Zoning utilizing HUD CDBG Funds). 1992 – 1994: CETA, Inc., San Juan, PR Private Consultant  Founding partner of Conservacion Estructual, Terrestre y Ambiental (CETA), Inc.  Cultural Resource Management firm dedicated to the conservation of structural, environmental and archeological resources.  Over 20 innovative projects which incorporated cultural heritage education with governmental and private sector objectives. 1991 – 1992: Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), San Juan, PR Preservation Architect and Conservator  Principal contact between SHPO and other local, state and federal agencies on 106 cases as well as major government project on island (i.e. Cuartel Ballaja, Governor’s Mansion [La Fortaleza], and Casa Blanca [Ponce de Leon House]).  Advisor to the Director on conservation issues as well as building materials inspections. 1990 – 1991: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Project Manager  Faculty Assistant and Principal Investigator in the Architectural Conservation Laboratory (ACL) at the university.  Principal author and researcher for the Masonry Conservation Study of the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus, OH (total project cost: $190M). 1984 – 1990: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Philadelphia, PA Environmental Engineer and Project Manager  Project Manager and Enforcement Officer in the Superfund Division (National Priorities List).  Supervised enforcement actions under CERCLA and RCRA regulations and policies, as well as coordinating clean-up efforts with state, local and public constituents.  Responsible for the management of contractual resources as well as work performance. ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES Chair and Board Member of Restoration and House Committee Historic Isaiah Davenport House. Savannah, GA. 2000-03. Board Member of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Awards Committee. Atlanta, GA. 2002-03. Board Member of Preservation Action. Washington, DC. 2002. PUBLICATIONS Conditions Assessment and Conservation Specifications for Capital Theater Terracotta Elements (1942), Wheeling, WV (2012) Historic Paint Analysis Report for LeBeuf Planation House (1840), New Orleans, LA (2011) Philosophy for Bronze Statuary Conservation and Bronze Plaques Maintenance at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Chattanooga, TN (2010) Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan for the US Army Reserve Facilities, San Juan, PR (2010). National Register Nomination Air National Guard Base Muniz (1940), San Juan, PR (2010) Phase I Survey Army National Guard HQ. Caguas, PR (2009) Evaluation Report for VA Caribbean Healthcare System Task ½ Cultural resource Management Plan. (1969), San Juan, PR (2009) Historic Paint Analysis for Mickve Israel Synagogue (1878). Savannah, GA. 2002. Historic Paint Analysis for Lyons Building (1878). Savannah, GA. 2002. National Register Nomination for Mickve Israel Synagogue (1878). Savannah, GA. 2001. Historic Structures Report for Fort Buchanan Site (1923). Santurce, PR. 2000. Historic Paint Analysis for Woods Residence (1898). Savannah, GA. 1999. Historic Paint Analysis for Colonial Cemetery Wrought Iron Fences (1750).Savannah, GA. 1997. National Register Nomination for Casa Alonso (1730). Vega Baja, PR. 1995. Study of Historic Materials for the Municipal Cemetery of Manatí – Capilla Histórica y Casa Guardia (1868). Manatí, PR. 1994 (Spanish). Historic Resources Report of Morris J. Berman Oil Spill – Operational Procedures to Protect Heritage Resources – US Coast Guard. San Juan, PR. 1994. Study of Historic Materials for Alcaldía de San Juan (1789). San Juan, PR. 1994 (Spanish). Technical Specifications for Lime-based Paints for Polvorín de San Gerónimo (1769), Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera. San Juan, PR. 1992 (Spanish). Study of Historic Materials for Escuela Labra (1910). Santurce, PR. 1993 (Spanish). Study of Historic Materials for Casa Ramón Power (1775), Calle Tetuan, Num. 155. Old San Juan, PR. 1991 (Spanish). Study of Historic Materials for the Ohio Statehouse (1839). Columbus, OH. 1990. PATRIMONIO Magazine: Article: Propuesta para un Concepto de Perservación. Vol. 2, Num. 1 July-September 1991. P.7. PATRIMONIO Magazine: Article: Antigua Primera y Segunda Lineas de Defensa para la isleta de San Juan. Vol. 2, Num. 1. July-September 1991, Pp. 12-13. Cultural Resource Management Journal, National Park Service. Article: Historic Savannah Property Survey. March 1998. Getty Grant – Savannah Campus Heritage Preservation Planning Project, July 2002. National Park Service Challenge Grant – St. Augustine District Survey, June 2002. PRESENTATIONS National Park Service PAST Program, Chattanooga, TN. Instructor and training of NPS staff on Monument Conservation. (November 2011). Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, Macon, GA. Workshops: Historic Painted Faux Finishes. 2002. Tulane University – School of Architecture, New Orleans, LA. Invited Lecturer: Savannah’s Historic Landmark District- Making the Case for World Heritage Listing. 2002. Richmond Hill Historical Society, Richmond Hill, GA. Lecture titled: Historic Preservation – A Brief History. 2001. Vilnius Arts Academy – Cultural Heritage Department, Vilnius, Lithuania. Invited Lecturer: Savannah Historic Landmark District – World Heritage Site? 2001. International Council on the Conservation of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Symposium, Guanajuato, Mexico. Paper titled: The Effective Utilization of Historic Preservation Students in the Evaluation of a Historic District – A Case Study in Savannah, GA. 1999. Restoration and Renovation Conference, Charleston, SC. Forum Participant titled: Careers and Education in Historic Preservation. 1999. National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Meeting. Savannah, GA. Lecturer for Two Workshops titled: Historic Paint Analysis and Historic Faux Finishes. 1998. ACCREDITATIONS Licensed Architectural Conservator Professional Member (PA AIC) of the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), Rome, Italy. Certificate in European Materials Conservation. 1989. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Washington, DC. Certificate in Environmental and Historic Preservation Compliance. 2005. US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Philadelphia, PA. Certified Project Officer. 1985. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS National Trust for Historic Preservation American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI) US-ICOMOS ICCROM AWARDS RECEIVED National Trust for Historic Preservation: Cultural Diversity Scholarship, Boston, MA. 1994. Preservation Society of Puerto Rico: Merit Award-First National Preservation Conference. Vega Baja, PR. 1996. Savannah College of Art and Design: Presidential Fellowship Award. Savannah, GA. 2001 General Services Administration (GSA) - Region 7, Certificate of Achievement in Historic Preservation. Fort Worth, TX. 2004. General Services Administration (GSA) – Region 10, Special Achievement Award in Historic Preservation. Portland, OR. 2005 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2002. Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2004.