Longtime hobbyists might be pleased to hear that a familiar person has returned to play an active role in numismatics as one of three appointments to the Citizens Coin Advisory Committee announced April 3.
Michael Brown, former special assistant to Mint Director Donna Pope 1981-1989, will bring with him the institutional Mint memory of the return of commemorative coins in 1982 after a production gap of 28 years.
Currently Brown is vice president of public affairs for Barrick Gold Corporation. Prior to his Mint service, he was vice president of the Gold and Silver Institute in Washington, D.C.
Brown holds a B.S. degree from Ohio State University and an MBA from George Washington University.
Brown was appointed to a four-year term on the recommendation of Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. The term expires in March 2011. He replaces Leon Billings.
The vacant seat of convicted coin dealer Tom Noe has been filled by the Rev. Dr. Richard J. Meier, who has been an active collector since childhood when his grandfather gave him an 1899 Morgan dollar.
His term expires in December 2010 and he was recommended by former Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert. R-Ill.
He currently is pastor of the Alpine Lutheran Church in Rockford, Ill., and holds a B.A. from Augustana College, a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, and a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.
The third appointee was active in the selection process for the Montana state quarter
Gary Marks was selected to fill the seat formerly held by Connie Harriman through public outreach as one of three CCAC members appointed to represent the interests of the general public. His four-year term expires in March 2011.
He is the city manager of Whitefish, Mont., and has worked in city government for nearly 20 years. He was a commissioner of the Montana Quarter Design Selection Committee. He has collected for 33 years, specializing in Barber and Walking Liberty half dollars and Washington quarters.
He also was executive director of the Whitefish Centennial Medallion Commission.
Marks has a B.A. in human resource management from George Fox College in Newberg, Ore..
The CCAC advises the secretary of the Treasury on theme and design proposals relating to circulating coinage, bullion coinage, congressional gold medals and other medals produced by the Mint. This includes recommendations for mintage levels and themes for future years.
Four of the 11 CCAC member positions are appointed by the secretary of the Treasury based on the recommendations of the congressional leadership. The secretary appoints the other seven through an open application process.
The CCAC is subject to the authority of the secretary. The Mint is responsible for providing administrative support, technical services and advice. The next CCAC meeting is set for May 15.
