President Barack Obama has appointed Thomas M. Gallas, Chief Executive Officer of Torti Gallas and Partners, to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) as the Presidential appointee representing the State of Maryland.

In announcing this and other nominations, President Obama said, "I am confident that these experienced and hardworking individuals will help us tackle the important challenges facing America, and I am grateful for their service. I look forward to working with them."

The National Capital Planning Commission is the central planning agency for the federal government in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. The 12-person Commission provides guidance and design review for federal land and building projects in the region. They also oversee planning for future projects, and monitor capital investment by federal agencies. The Commission is comprised of three Presidential appointees, five Federal members, two Mayoral appointees and two District of Columbia members. Mr. Gallas will serve a six-year term as a Commissioner on the NCPC.  

Mr. Gallas joined Torti Gallas and Partners in 1985 and has been Chief Executive Officer since 2010. He currently serves on several boards and commissions, including the Board of Visitors to the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. He became a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional in 2004. Under his leadership, Torti Gallas and Partners has been honored with over 400 international and national design awards by groups including the American Institute of Architects, Congress for the New Urbanism, American Planning Association, the National Association of Home Builders, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and has been the recipient of a Presidential GreenGov Award. Mr. Gallas received a B.S. from the University of Maryland.