Who is the New Director General of the INAH?
Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera, an accomplished anthropologist, has been appointed as the new Director General of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) by Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City. Vázquez Herrera holds a degree in Social Anthropology and has pursued postgraduate studies in Public Administration at the Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ).
With over two decades of experience in public service, Vázquez Herrera has established himself as a prominent figure in the realms of population policy and Mexico’s cultural heritage preservation.
Vázquez Herrera’s Achievements at the INAH
- Served as Director of INAH Centers, leading national reconstruction efforts related to the restoration of nearly 650 archaeological and historical sites affected by earthquakes in 2017, 2018, and 2020.
- Strengthened the protective perimeter around the Monte Albán archaeological zone.
- Reopened the Ervin Frissell Museum in San Pablo Villa de Mitla, highlighting the significance and beauty of Oaxaca’s pre-Hispanic cultures.
- Updated the Regulatory Framework for the Partial Conservation Plan of Oaxaca de Juárez’s Historic Monuments Zone.
- Participated in the recovery of the Odriozola House in San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula, which will house a Restoration School for young people in the region.
Academic Contributions
Vázquez Herrera has conducted research on medical and health anthropology, as well as civil career services. He also coordinated the book “Oaxaca Patrimonio Cultural: Investigaciones Recientes”.
As the National Coordinator of INAH Centers, he played a crucial role in institutional decentralization processes and enhanced regional and national operational capabilities.
He has also served as a professor at UAQ, contributing to the education and development of future anthropologists and public servants.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is the new Director General of the INAH? Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera, an experienced anthropologist with a degree in Social Anthropology and postgraduate studies in Public Administration.
- What are Vázquez Herrera’s qualifications? He has over two decades of experience in public service, specializing in population policy and cultural heritage preservation. He holds a degree in Social Anthropology and has pursued postgraduate studies in Public Administration.
- What are some of Vázquez Herrera’s notable achievements at the INAH? He led national reconstruction efforts, strengthened protective perimeters around archaeological zones, reopened museums, updated conservation plans, and contributed to the recovery of historical sites.
- What are Vázquez Herrera’s academic contributions? He has conducted research on medical and health anthropology, civil career services, and coordinated publications. He has also served as a professor at the Autonomous University of Querétaro.
