The Smithsonian Institution Executive and Leadership Team

David Erickson, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the organization's wildlife conservation and scientific research endeavors. Erickson's leadership guides the institution's mission to preserve endangered species and combat ecological threats impacting animal populations across the continent. This executive role involves setting the long-term vision for the zoological facility, ensuring its continued evolution alongside advances in zoological science and conservation biology. Erickson oversees the integration of research findings into practical animal stewardship, prioritizing a deep understanding of animal behavior, genetics, and ecological needs. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering collaborations and securing resources necessary for field studies and conservation initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable species. Erickson's strategic direction ensures the institution remains a leading center for wildlife conservation, balancing public education with active scientific programs.

Bruce Dauer, the Director, Planning & Management Budget Acting Chief Financial Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, directs the financial planning, budgeting, and management processes essential for supporting the organization's wildlife conservation and scientific research operations. Dauer's leadership ensures fiscal responsibility and strategic allocation of resources to critical areas such as species preservation, scientific inquiry, and facility management. This executive role involves overseeing the development and execution of financial strategies that align with the institution's mission and long-term objectives. The Acting Chief Financial Officer is responsible for financial reporting, budget oversight, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. Bruce Dauer's expertise in financial management is crucial for sustaining the institution's capacity to conduct advanced zoological research, implement effective breeding programs, and support vital conservation initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species. Dauer's financial stewardship enables the continued pursuit of scientific understanding and ecological stewardship.

Ronald Cortez, the Chief Financial Officer, Undersecretary of Finance & Administration at The Smithsonian Institution, leads the comprehensive financial strategy and administrative operations that underpin the organization's extensive wildlife conservation and scientific research activities. Cortez's responsibilities encompass managing the institution's financial health, overseeing budget allocation, and ensuring the efficient administration of resources critical for species preservation and scientific advancement. This executive role involves directing financial planning, investment strategies, and fiscal oversight to support the institution's mission of preventing extinction and advancing zoological science. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in securing funding, managing endowments, and optimizing financial performance across all departments. Ronald Cortez's leadership ensures that the institution possesses the financial stability and administrative framework necessary to conduct groundbreaking research, maintain state-of-the-art facilities, and execute impactful conservation programs globally.

Meroe Park, the Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, directs the comprehensive operational execution and administrative oversight that supports the organization's extensive wildlife conservation and scientific research endeavors. Park's leadership ensures the efficient functioning of all institutional operations, from managing facilities and resources to overseeing daily activities that advance the mission of species preservation and scientific discovery. This executive role involves translating strategic goals into tangible operational outcomes, ensuring that conservation biology programs, zoological research, and public education initiatives are effectively implemented. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for optimizing operational workflows, managing interdepartmental coordination, and driving efficiency across the institution. Meroe Park's strategic management of operations is critical for sustaining the institution's capacity to conduct vital research, protect endangered species, and fulfill its mandate of advancing knowledge and public understanding.

Zachary (Zack) Kahn, the Chief Information Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, architects and executes the technology strategy that supports the organization's critical wildlife conservation and scientific research operations. Kahn's purview encompasses the digital infrastructure essential for managing extensive zoological data, facilitating research collaborations, and enhancing public educational platforms. This leadership position involves overseeing the implementation of advanced information systems that streamline operations, from animal care and breeding programs to field studies and conservation initiative tracking. The Chief Information Officer ensures the security and integrity of the institution's digital assets, safeguarding sensitive research data and operational information. Kahn's role is pivotal in leveraging technology to advance the understanding of animal behavior, genetics, and ecological needs, directly contributing to the preservation of endangered species. By driving technological innovation, Zachary (Zack) Kahn empowers the institution's scientists and conservationists with the tools needed to achieve their mission.

Carmen Iannacone, the Chief Technology Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, drives the technological innovation pipeline that underpins the organization's wildlife conservation and scientific research objectives. Iannacone's focus is on identifying, evaluating, and integrating cutting-edge technologies that enhance the institution's capacity for scientific discovery and species preservation. This executive function involves developing and implementing technology roadmaps that support advanced research methodologies, data analytics for ecological studies, and sophisticated animal management systems. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that the institution's technological infrastructure remains at the forefront of zoological science and conservation biology, enabling more effective breeding programs and field studies. Iannacone's leadership is critical in translating complex scientific requirements into scalable technological solutions, thereby advancing the understanding of animal behavior and genetics. By championing technological advancements, Carmen Iannacone directly contributes to the institution's mission of protecting endangered species and preventing extinction.

Janet Abrams, the Director, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Information Officer, Office of at The Smithsonian Institution, spearheads critical strategic projects and oversees the information technology landscape supporting wildlife conservation and scientific research. Abrams' dual role involves identifying and developing new initiatives that align with the institution's long-term mission of species preservation and scientific advancement. Concurrently, as Chief Information Officer, Abrams ensures the robust functioning and strategic evolution of the IT infrastructure that underpins all operational and research activities. This leadership position requires a keen understanding of both strategic planning and technological implementation, ensuring that information systems effectively support conservation biology and zoological research. Janet Abrams directs efforts to enhance data management, research collaboration tools, and digital platforms used for public education and outreach. The focus remains on leveraging information technology to deepen the understanding of animal behavior and ecological needs, thereby bolstering efforts to protect endangered species.

Porter Wilkinson, the Counselor and Chief of Staff To the Regents at The Smithsonian Institution, provides critical advisory support and operational coordination to the Board of Regents, directly influencing the strategic direction of wildlife conservation and scientific research initiatives. Wilkinson's role involves translating the Regents' vision into actionable plans and ensuring seamless communication between the governing body and the institution's operational leadership. This executive function requires a comprehensive understanding of the organization's mission to preserve endangered species and advance zoological science. Porter Wilkinson oversees key administrative functions and special projects, ensuring alignment with the institution's commitment to scientific rigor and evidence-based conservation practices. The Chief of Staff plays a vital part in facilitating strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and the overall governance of the institution. Wilkinson's counsel is instrumental in navigating complex challenges and opportunities within the conservation and research landscape, supporting the long-term sustainability of the institution's efforts.

Vandyke George, the Acting Chief Information Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, manages the day-to-day operations and immediate strategic needs of the information technology department, ensuring continuity and support for wildlife conservation and scientific research activities. George's responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and performance of critical IT systems that facilitate zoological data management, research collaboration, and operational efficiency. This interim leadership role focuses on maintaining the integrity of the digital infrastructure, supporting ongoing projects related to animal care, breeding programs, and field studies. The Acting Chief Information Officer ensures that technological resources are effectively deployed to support the institution's mission of preserving endangered species and advancing conservation biology. Vandyke George works to address immediate technological challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the institution's IT capabilities continue to serve its vital scientific and conservation objectives effectively during this period.

Kate Forester, the Deputy Chief of Staff at The Smithsonian Institution, supports the Chief of Staff and the Board of Regents in advancing the institution's strategic objectives related to wildlife conservation and scientific research. Forester's role involves coordinating key initiatives, managing operational workflows, and ensuring effective communication across various departments. This position requires a deep understanding of the institution's mission to preserve endangered species and promote scientific understanding. Kate Forester assists in the development and implementation of strategic plans, working closely with leadership to drive progress on critical projects. The Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates the smooth execution of administrative and operational functions, ensuring alignment with the institution's commitment to scientific rigor and evidence-based conservation practices. Forester's contributions are vital in supporting the overall governance and operational effectiveness of the institution, enabling its continued success in conservation and research.