Officials at the Copyright Clearance Center today confirmed that Marybeth Peters, who recently retired after 17 years as U.S. Register of Copyrights, has joined its board of directors. After becoming United States Register of Copyrights in 1994, and guiding the agency through the advent of the digital era, Peters retired last December. “We’re privileged to have such a decorated copyright veteran joining our Board,” said CCC CEO Tracey Armstrong. “We look forward to leveraging her tremendous knowledge and experience.” The appointment became official today after a vote at today’s CCC board of directors meeting.

CCC officials said the appointment will strengthen the organization in the policy arena, at a time when big changes could be on the way for copyright. In 2009, President Obama appointed Victoria A. Espinel to become the nation’s first “copyright czar,” overseeing the enforcement of Intellectual property laws in a digital age where licensing has become increasingly vital. “With Marybeth’s appointment, CCC continues to expand its expertise in copyright policy matters,” comments Tarja Koskinen-Olsson, the former Chair of the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO), who joined the Board just over a year ago. “CCC will be extremely well served by Marybeth’s in-depth expertise in copyright policy issues.”