Hillerby named director of museums

Michael Hillerby, Reno's arts and culture manager, has been named the new director of the state Department of Museums, Library and Arts.

He replaces acting director Scott Sisco, who was filling in after Dale Erquiaga resigned.

"Michael Hillerby has a wealth of knowledge and a great passion for the arts and culture as well as a familiarity with the inner workings of state government," said Gov. Kenny Guinn.

Hillerby was for several years a lobbyist in the Nevada Legislature focusing on health issues before going to work for Reno. In Reno, he managed and produced the Uptown, Downtown, ARTown Festival and supervised renovation of the 90-year-old school that recently opened as Reno's Arts and Culture Center.

"The preservation of Nevada's cultural and artistic history is something very important to me," he said.