American Battle Monuments Commission Announces New Performance Review Board Appointments

The American Battle Monuments Commission published a notice in the Federal Register on November 2 2026, detailing the appointments of individuals to serve on its Performance Review Board for the 2026 and 2027 cycle. The action is mandated by section 405(a) of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. The appointments took effect on October 1 2026.

Background on the Performance Review Board

The Performance Review Board is a critical component of federal agency accountability and personnel management. Under federal regulations, specifically title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, agencies are required to establish one or more performance review boards. These boards evaluate the performance of senior executives and make recommendations to the appointing authority regarding performance appraisals, bonuses, and rank awards. The process ensures that senior civil servants maintain high standards of accountability and operational effectiveness.

Appointed Board Members

The notice identifies three individuals selected to serve on the American Battle Monuments Commission Performance Review Board for the 2026 and 2027 term. The roster includes Dr. Erin Mahan who serves as the Chief Historian in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It also includes Eric C. Nastasi who holds the position of Deputy Director at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Finally, Nealie P. Sutton who is the Executive Director for Management at the American Battle Monuments Commission completes the three-member panel.

Procedural Framework and Authority

The publication of these names is not a policy shift but a routine administrative requirement designed to maintain transparency in federal human resources. The notice was compiled in accordance with 5 CFR 430.311(a)(4), which governs the composition and publication of agency performance review boards. Ryan L. Raymond, who serves as the Chief of Human Resources and Administration for the commission, signed the notice in Arlington, Virginia.

Operational Implications

While the announcement is administrative, the function of the Performance Review Board directly impacts agency leadership and oversight. The inclusion of officials from external agencies such as the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Smithsonian American Art Museum provides an independent perspective in evaluating executive performance. This interagency participation helps uphold objectivity and rigorous standards across the federal workforce.