Historical Note
The Assistant Director for Administration is responsible for overseeing budget and financial planning, personnel, contracting, procurement, special exhibition projects, and building management of the National Museum of American History.
The activities of this office date back to 1958, when William E. Boyle was appointed Administrative Assistant in what was then called the National Museum of History and Technology (NMHT). Boyle became Administrative Officer for the Museum in 1963, retaining that post until 1965. In 1963, Virginia Beets joined Boyle as an Administrative Officer, and succeeded him as head of the office in 1966.
Robert G. Tillotson joined the staff in 1967 as Administrative Officer, with the same responsibilities as Beets. In December 1969, Tillotson became Assistant Director for Administration. Despite the difference in title, Beets continued in a similar capacity to that of Tillotson until she resigned her position in 1973 to become Museum Registrar. Tillotson chose Jean J. Middleton as his Administrative Officer in 1976. In 1979, Tillotson left the office to accept the position of Executive Director of the National Philatelic Collections, and Middleton resigned her post to join Tillotson as assistant.
Throughout 1980, the duties of the Assistant Director for Administration were temporarily handled by Luis del Rio, Executive Officer. During that year, NMHT had its name changed to the National Museum of American History (NMAH). In 1981, Ronald E. Becker was appointed Assistant Director for Administration. Becker selected Richard E. Nicastro to become his Assistant Administrator from 1983 to 1984, and, Administrative Officer in 1985. Elizabeth E. Greene replaced Nicastro as Administrative Officer in 1986, when Nicastro became Deputy Assistant Director for Exhibits, NMAH.
