WASHINGTON, DC.- The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced today the appointment of Patrice Walker Powell as the agency's acting chairman. In this position, she will provide oversight for agency grantmaking and day-to-day agency operations and supervise administrative activities. She assumed the role on January 29.

"I am honored to serve in this capacity and will depend on the support of my many colleagues to assist me in this endeavor," said Powell. "These are exciting and challenging times, and I look forward to continuing the good work of the NEA."

In 2008, Powell was appointed deputy chairman for states, regions, and local arts agencies. In that role, Powell is responsible for managing the agency's grants and special projects involving a national network of governmental and nonprofit partners; small grant programs such as Challenge America Fast-Track; and the NEA's AccessAbility activities that are also carried out in conjunction with state and regional organizations. Powell has been a staff member at the NEA since 1991.

In addition, Anita Decker was appointed by the White House as NEA director of government affairs effective February 4. In this role she manages the National Endowment for the Arts' relations with Congress and the White House, international and federal partnership programs, and the operations of the National Council on the Arts. Previously, Decker was on the staff of President Obama's election campaign.