The Smithsonian Institution Executive and Leadership Team

David Erickson, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, directs the overarching strategic vision for wildlife conservation and scientific research. This leadership role involves aligning institutional goals with global ecological priorities to prevent species extinction. By overseeing the integration of breeding programs with advanced conservation biology, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all scientific efforts remain evidence-based and impactful. David Erickson maintains constant communication with the Board to secure resources for field studies and collaborative initiatives. This executive focus on long-term sustainability supports the expansion of research capabilities across diverse habitats. Through the management of high-level partnerships, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the organization's position as a premier center for animal behavior studies. Ultimately, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives the mission to protect vulnerable populations while fostering public engagement with critical environmental issues.

Ronald Cortez, the Chief Financial Officer, Undersecretary of Finance & Administration at The Smithsonian Institution, directs the fiscal health and administrative operations of the organization. This leadership role involves managing the budget for extensive zoological facilities and ongoing scientific research programs. By overseeing financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer, Undersecretary of Finance & Administration ensures that resources are allocated effectively to support the protection of endangered species. Ronald Cortez coordinates with the executive team to maintain the financial stability required for long-term conservation initiatives. This position involves monitoring the costs associated with animal care, breeding programs, and field studies. Through the implementation of rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer, Undersecretary of Finance & Administration supports the institution's commitment to scientific rigor. By optimizing administrative processes, the Chief Financial Officer, Undersecretary of Finance & Administration enables the organization to focus on its core mission of preventing extinction and advancing zoological science.

Meroe Park, the Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, oversees the daily operational functions of the zoological facility and its research centers. This leadership role involves managing the logistics of animal care, habitat maintenance, and public engagement programs. By directing operational workflows, the Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the institution meets its goals for species management and scientific research. Meroe Park coordinates with department heads to streamline the execution of field studies and collaborative conservation projects. This position requires a focus on efficiency and safety to maintain the high standards of animal welfare. Through the management of daily operations, the Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer supports the organization's mission to preserve endangered species. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, the Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer enables the institution to effectively balance public education with active, evidence-based conservation efforts.

Cissel Gott, the Smithsonian Women's Committee President 2016-2018 at The Smithsonian Institution, leads fundraising and community outreach efforts to support the organization's conservation and research programs. This role involves mobilizing volunteer networks and donor support to enhance the facility's capacity for protecting endangered species. By directing committee initiatives, the Smithsonian Women's Committee President 2016-2018 fosters public engagement with the institution's scientific mission. Cissel Gott coordinates with executive leadership to identify key projects that require additional financial backing and community advocacy. This leadership function focuses on building long-term relationships with supporters who value the preservation of native mammals and ecological health. Through the management of outreach campaigns, the Smithsonian Women's Committee President 2016-2018 ensures that the institution maintains the resources necessary for its diverse collections and field studies. By championing the organization's goals, the Smithsonian Women's Committee President 2016-2018 directly contributes to the success of ongoing conservation initiatives.

Carmen Iannacone, the Chief Technology Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, architects the digital infrastructure required to support complex zoological research and data management. This role involves deploying advanced analytical tools to track animal genetics and behavioral patterns across the facility. By modernizing the technological framework, the Chief Technology Officer enables researchers to process field study data with greater precision and speed. Carmen Iannacone collaborates with scientific teams to implement innovative monitoring systems that enhance the care of native mammals. This leadership function focuses on scaling digital capabilities to support international conservation partnerships and data sharing. Through the optimization of technical resources, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of zoological science. By bridging the gap between complex biological data and actionable insights, the Chief Technology Officer directly contributes to the success of ongoing species management programs.

Holly Keaton, the Chief Information Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, manages the enterprise-wide information systems that house critical research archives and conservation records. This leadership role involves securing sensitive biological data while ensuring accessibility for collaborative scientific projects. By overseeing the implementation of robust database architectures, the Chief Information Officer supports the organization's commitment to evidence-based practices. Holly Keaton directs the digital transformation of public education platforms, allowing for broader dissemination of conservation findings. This position requires constant coordination with administrative departments to streamline operational workflows and improve data integrity. Through the strategic management of information assets, the Chief Information Officer facilitates the seamless flow of knowledge between field researchers and the public. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the technological foundation remains resilient, enabling the institution to maintain comprehensive collections while conducting vital field studies aimed at protecting vulnerable species.

Janet Abrams, the Director, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Information Officer, Office of at The Smithsonian Institution, executes high-level planning to align organizational goals with emerging conservation trends. This role involves identifying new opportunities for collaborative research and expanding the reach of existing wildlife protection programs. By managing strategic initiatives, the Director, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Information Officer, Office of ensures that information systems support the long-term mission of the institution. Janet Abrams coordinates with various departments to integrate research findings into public-facing educational content. This leadership function focuses on optimizing internal processes to improve the efficiency of species management and breeding efforts. Through the development of cross-functional partnerships, the Director, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Information Officer, Office of drives the implementation of innovative conservation strategies. By balancing administrative oversight with strategic vision, the Director, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Information Officer, Office of secures the resources necessary for continued scientific excellence.

Porter Wilkinson, the Counselor and Chief of Staff To the Regents at The Smithsonian Institution, manages the governance processes and communication between the leadership team and the Board of Regents. This role involves providing legal and strategic counsel to ensure that all conservation initiatives align with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. By overseeing the flow of information to the Regents, the Counselor and Chief of Staff To the Regents facilitates informed decision-making regarding scientific research and facility operations. Porter Wilkinson coordinates high-level meetings to address critical ecological crises and institutional priorities. This leadership function requires a deep understanding of the organization's mission to protect vulnerable species. Through the management of governance structures, the Counselor and Chief of Staff To the Regents supports the stability and integrity of the institution. By ensuring alignment across all levels of leadership, the Counselor and Chief of Staff To the Regents drives the successful execution of the organization's long-term conservation strategy.