Ian Johnson, with over two decades of historic preservation experience has been named Oregon’s new Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. “We are grateful Ian has accepted this role,” noted Lisa Sumption, the state’s Historic Preservation Officer and director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). “Ian has served admirably at the Associate Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer for nearly 10 years and his work demonstrates the skills, integrity, and quality needed to take Oregon’s preservation program into the future.”
Johnson joined the Oregon preservation office in 2007 beginning in the survey and inventory programs. He has also worked in state and federal compliance and developed the current Oregon Historic Preservation Plan. Johnson also brings extensive experience related to intergovernmental agreements, Oregon Revised Statutes, and Oregon Administrative Rules.
Ian developed an interest in historic preservation while attending Washington State University, where he completed a historic property survey in the College Hill neighborhood. He later worked in the private sector and as a preservation planner under contract for the City of Scottsdale, Arizona. Additionally, he served for many years on the Salem Historic Landmarks Commission. Ian and his wife, Stephanie, live in Salem with their two children, Iris (15) and Louisa (13). Stephanie is a published author, the kids enjoy roller derby and music, and the family spends time outdoors and caring for their home “zoo,” which includes a dog, cat, turtle, fish tank, and a crested gecko. In his free time, Ian enjoys gardening, train watching, and is learning how to fish.
Johnson will be responsible for the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) programs. He will take lead on working with budget, state and federal legislative activities, high-level agency and partner organization relationship development. He will coordinate with Matt Rippee, who is Johnson’s manager and serves as the SHPO representative on the OPRD executive team and Lisa Sumption, OPRD director and Oregon SHPO.