PERTH AMBOY, NJ (TIP): The Middlesex County Office of Culture and Heritage announced February 1 that Isha Vyas, Division Head of Arts and History Program Services, has been elected President of the Association of New Jersey Cultural & Historic Agencies.

“I am honored to accept the position of the President of this Association,” said Isha Vyas. “This is a wonderful opportunity and a huge responsibility. I look forward to working with all the leaders of the Cultural and Historic agencies from all 21 counties to further the mission of this important organization.”

Former president of the Association and Chair of the Artpride New Jersey Foundation, Mary Eileen Fouratt said: “As a past president I’m thrilled that Isha Vyas has stepped up to be the new President of the ANJCHA. As a leader of one of the largest and most effective County Cultural & Heritage Agencies, she is well equipped to lead this group of leaders from the 21 counties.”

The Association’s mission is the education, coordination and communication of the activities of member agencies to serve the historic and arts communities. Established in 1993, members include the Cultural and Historic Agencies of each of the 21 New Jersey Counties.

“The work of the county agencies is so critical to our communities, bringing high quality and affordable arts, history and cultural events, supporting artists and arts groups and contributing to our local economies,” Fouratt said. “I look forward to continuing to work with Isha and seeing where her ideas take this organization.”

“Isha’s influence has really allowed our Culture and Heritage Office to thrive and grow, and I know she will excel in bringing that same influence to other counties throughout our state,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, I would like to offer our congratulations to Isha and wish her the best of luck in this new endeavor.”

“When you look at the high quality of Middlesex County’s own Culture and Heritage programming, it’s easy to see why Isha was chosen as president of this Association,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, Chair of the County’s Business Development and Education Committee. “She deserves our congratulations as well as thanks for the continuing excellence of her contributions.”

Vyas has been treasurer of the organization since 2012. Additionally, she is the Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Woodbridge Township Public Libraries; a member of the New Jersey State Historical Records Advisory Board and a trustee of Advocates of New Jersey History.

For more information, please go to the Middlesex County website at www.co.middlesex.nj.us.