Obama Taps Bryant to Serve on Commission

President Obama has appointed Preston Bryant, Gov. Tim Kaine's secretary of natural resources, to serve as chairman of the planning agency for federal lands and buildings in the Washington metro area.

Bryant, a former Republican legislator from Lynchburg, will continue to serve in Kaine's Cabinet.

"Secretary Bryant's work in my administration and his private-sector experience make him an ideal choice to chair the commission," Kaine said in a statement. "I'm sure he will bring the same dedication, creativity, and hard work to this job that he has demonstrated while serving the people of Virginia."

The National Capital Planning Commission conducts environmental studies, conserves open space and parks and plans new memorials, monuments, and museums on federal lands.