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 zoological facility. Erickson architects the long-term vision for wildlife conservation and scientific research, ensuring alignment with the core mission of preserving endangered species. This leadership role involves guiding the integration of advanced zoological science and conservation biology into daily operations, fostering a culture of rigorous scientific inquiry. Erickson oversees the strategic allocation of resources to support breeding programs and species management initiatives, directly impacting the facility's ability to prevent extinction. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that practical animal stewardship remains paramount, prioritizing a deep understanding of animal behavior, genetics, and ecological needs. Erickson's strategic direction solidifies the Institution's position as a leading center for wildlife conservation, combining public education with active research programs across North America.

Ronald Cortez, the Chief Financial Officer, Undersecretary of Finance & Administration at The Smithsonian Institution, directs all financial operations and administrative functions to support conservation and research initiatives. Cortez manages the fiscal health of the organization, ensuring adequate funding for breeding programs, scientific studies, and the overall maintenance of the zoological facility. This leadership role involves developing financial strategies that enable long-term sustainability and growth, aligning resources with the mission of preserving endangered species. The Chief Financial Officer, Undersecretary of Finance & Administration oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring adherence to evidence-based practices and scientific rigor. Ronald Cortez's financial stewardship is critical for supporting the Institution's commitment to wildlife conservation and its role as a major center for zoological science across its operational regions.

Bruce Dauer, the Director, Planning & Management Budget Acting Chief Financial Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, oversees critical financial planning and budget management functions to support conservation and research. Dauer directs the strategic allocation of financial resources, ensuring adequate funding for breeding programs, scientific studies, and the operational needs of the zoological facility. This role involves developing and managing budgets that align with the Institution's mission of preserving endangered species and advancing zoological science. The Director, Planning & Management Budget Acting Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial strategies support evidence-based practices and maintain the organization's fiscal integrity. Bruce Dauer's financial oversight is essential for the effective execution of the Institution's conservation goals and its commitment to scientific rigor.

Meroe Park, the Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, directs the comprehensive operational framework that supports the organization's extensive wildlife conservation and scientific research activities. Park oversees the day-to-day management of the zoological facility, ensuring efficient resource allocation and the effective implementation of programs dedicated to preserving endangered species. This leadership position involves integrating scientific advancements with practical animal stewardship, driving operational excellence across all departments. The Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer ensures that breeding programs, research initiatives, and conservation efforts adhere to the highest standards of scientific rigor and evidence-based practices. Meroe Park's operational leadership is fundamental to the Institution's success in protecting vulnerable species and advancing zoological science across its continental reach.

Ray Seward, the Chief Information Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, manages the technological infrastructure supporting the organization's critical conservation and research efforts. Seward architects and implements robust IT strategies that enhance data management, facilitate scientific analysis, and ensure the secure operation of the zoological facility. This role involves overseeing the development and maintenance of digital systems essential for tracking species populations, managing breeding records, and supporting field studies. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technological advancements are leveraged to improve operational efficiency and support evidence-based conservation practices. Seward's leadership drives the integration of information technology with zoological science, enabling more effective research and resource allocation. By optimizing digital platforms, Seward directly contributes to the Institution's mission of preserving endangered species and advancing scientific understanding across its continental operations.

Marlene Howze, the Chief Technology Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, spearheads technological innovation to advance the organization's wildlife conservation and scientific research objectives. Howze directs the exploration and implementation of cutting-edge technologies that enhance animal care, breeding programs, and ecological monitoring. This leadership position involves identifying and integrating novel solutions that support evidence-based practices and deepen the understanding of animal behavior, genetics, and environmental needs. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that technological development aligns with the Institution's commitment to scientific rigor and the preservation of endangered species. Howze's strategic vision drives the adoption of advanced tools for data analysis, field studies, and collaborative conservation initiatives. By championing technological progress, Marlene Howze significantly contributes to the Institution's ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable species and maintain its status as a major center for zoological science.

Janet Abrams, the Director, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Information Officer, Office of at The Smithsonian Institution, drives critical strategic projects and oversees information technology functions to support conservation and research. Abrams develops and executes strategic initiatives that align with the Institution's mission to preserve endangered species and advance scientific understanding. This dual role involves managing key organizational projects while ensuring the technological infrastructure effectively supports zoological operations and data analysis. The Director, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Information Officer, Office of focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation across departments. Abrams' leadership ensures that strategic planning and information systems work in concert to achieve conservation goals and promote evidence-based practices. By guiding strategic development and technological oversight, Janet Abrams plays a vital part in the Institution's ongoing commitment to wildlife stewardship and scientific rigor.

Porter Wilkinson, the Counselor and Chief of Staff To the Regents at The Smithsonian Institution, provides essential advisory support and manages key operational functions for the governing body. Wilkinson ensures seamless communication and coordination between the Regents and the Institution's leadership, facilitating strategic decision-making for wildlife conservation and scientific research. This role involves advising on policy matters and overseeing the implementation of directives aimed at preserving endangered species and advancing zoological science. The Counselor and Chief of Staff To the Regents acts as a critical liaison, ensuring that operational activities align with the Institution's mission and evidence-based practices. Wilkinson's counsel supports the strategic direction of the facility, reinforcing its commitment to scientific rigor and animal stewardship. Porter Wilkinson's influence is integral to maintaining the high standards of the Institution's conservation efforts across its continental scope.

Kate Forester, the Deputy Chief of Staff at The Smithsonian Institution, supports the Chief of Staff and executive leadership in executing strategic initiatives for wildlife conservation and scientific research. Forester assists in coordinating operational activities, ensuring efficient resource management and the smooth implementation of programs aimed at preserving endangered species. This role involves facilitating communication across departments and supporting the development of policies that uphold scientific rigor and evidence-based practices. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a key part in operationalizing the Institution's mission, contributing to the effective stewardship of animal populations and research endeavors. Kate Forester's contributions are vital to maintaining the operational integrity and strategic focus of the Institution's conservation efforts.

Vandyke George, the Acting Chief Information Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, provides interim leadership for the organization's information technology infrastructure, supporting critical conservation and research operations. George ensures the continuity of IT services essential for managing zoological data, facilitating scientific analysis, and supporting breeding programs. This role focuses on maintaining system stability and addressing immediate technological needs to uphold the Institution's mission of preserving endangered species. The Acting Chief Information Officer oversees the effective functioning of digital platforms that enable evidence-based practices and scientific inquiry. Vandyke George's leadership ensures that technological resources continue to support the Institution's commitment to wildlife stewardship and scientific advancement during this transitional period.