Maryann Phipps served as technical lead for the NIST-sponsored ATC 120 project with the goal of recommending nonstructural seismic design improvements that will have the largest impact on public safety and economic welfare. Research, development and targeted investigations were completed with a team of national experts. The project included a comprehensive analytical study of relevant factors contributing to seismic performance of nonstructural components and systems, which led to a technically sound basis for new building code changes. A consensus-based set of nonstructural performance objectives was created and a holistic design approach for nonstructural components was proposed.