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. Erickson architects long-term institutional goals, ensuring alignment between public education initiatives and the core mission of protecting endangered species. By overseeing the integration of advanced conservation biology with practical animal management, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer maintains the organization's status as a premier center for ecological study. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to secure resources for field studies and collaborative global initiatives. Through the implementation of evidence-based practices, David Erickson fosters a culture of scientific rigor that defines the facility's approach to biodiversity. Ultimately, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and operational health required to sustain complex breeding programs and comprehensive zoological collections across North American research sites.

Ronald Cortez, the Chief Financial Officer, Undersecretary of Finance & Administration at The Smithsonian Institution, directs the financial strategy and administrative oversight of the organization. Cortez manages the budget allocation for wildlife conservation programs, scientific research, and facility maintenance. By ensuring fiscal responsibility, the Chief Financial Officer, Undersecretary of Finance & Administration provides the necessary funding to sustain complex breeding programs and field studies. This role involves overseeing the financial health of the institution and reporting to the executive team on resource utilization. Through the management of administrative functions, Ronald Cortez supports the operational needs of the zoological facility. The Chief Financial Officer, Undersecretary of Finance & Administration drives the development of financial models that prioritize long-term sustainability and the protection of vulnerable species. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Cortez enables the institution to fulfill its mission of preserving biodiversity and advancing zoological science.

Meroe Park, the Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, manages the daily operational functions of the zoological facility. Park oversees the logistical requirements of animal care, breeding programs, and field research operations. By streamlining internal processes, the Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources are effectively allocated to support the institution's conservation mission. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to maintain high standards of scientific rigor and operational efficiency. Through the management of facility-wide initiatives, Meroe Park supports the protection of native mammals and the execution of collaborative conservation projects. The Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer drives the implementation of policies that prioritize animal welfare and ecological needs. By optimizing operational workflows, Park ensures that the institution continues to function as a major center for wildlife conservation and public education.

Cissel Gott, the Smithsonian Women's Committee President 2016-2018 at The Smithsonian Institution, leads fundraising and community engagement initiatives to support the organization's conservation goals. Gott directs the committee's efforts to secure resources for research programs and public education projects. By fostering relationships with donors and stakeholders, the Smithsonian Women's Committee President 2016-2018 enhances the institution's ability to protect endangered species. This leadership role involves organizing events and campaigns that highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and scientific study. Through the mobilization of community support, Cissel Gott contributes to the financial and social success of the institution. The Smithsonian Women's Committee President 2016-2018 drives the development of outreach strategies that connect the public with the facility's mission. By championing the institution's work, Gott ensures that the organization maintains the necessary support to continue its vital research and conservation efforts.

Denise Elliott, the Acting President, Smithsonian Enterprises at The Smithsonian Institution, manages the commercial and public-facing operations that support the institution's mission. Elliott directs the development of revenue-generating activities that fund scientific research and conservation initiatives. By overseeing the commercial strategy, the Acting President, Smithsonian Enterprises ensures that public engagement efforts align with the organization's commitment to education and wildlife protection. This role involves coordinating with the executive team to integrate commercial success with the institution's core values of scientific rigor. Through the management of enterprise operations, Denise Elliott provides the financial resources necessary for field studies and animal care programs. The Acting President, Smithsonian Enterprises drives the growth of public-facing initiatives that promote awareness of endangered species. By optimizing commercial performance, Elliott supports the institution's ability to maintain its comprehensive collections and continue its vital work in zoological science.

Ray Seward, the Chief Information Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, manages the digital infrastructure supporting critical wildlife research and conservation data. Seward designs scalable systems that house complex genetic information and animal behavior records, facilitating seamless access for scientific teams. By modernizing the technological framework, the Chief Information Officer enables efficient data sharing across international research partnerships. This role requires constant collaboration with the executive team to ensure that digital tools support the institution's mission of preventing species extinction. Through the deployment of advanced analytics, Ray Seward optimizes the tracking of endangered populations, providing researchers with actionable insights. The Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation of the facility, ensuring that technological capabilities keep pace with evolving needs in conservation biology and public outreach efforts throughout the organization's expansive network.

Marlene Howze, the Chief Technology Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, oversees the development of innovative hardware and software solutions for zoological monitoring. Howze architects the technical environment necessary for real-time observation of native mammals and field study data collection. By implementing cutting-edge sensor networks and research platforms, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the precision of evidence-based animal care. This leadership position involves managing the technical roadmap to support the institution's commitment to scientific rigor. Through the integration of emerging technologies, Marlene Howze improves the efficiency of breeding programs and ecological monitoring. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that all technical assets remain robust and secure, providing the foundation for high-impact conservation research. By aligning technical strategy with the broader institutional mission, Howze supports the protection of vulnerable species through advanced technological application and data-driven decision-making processes.

George Van Dyke, the Acting Chief Information Officer at The Smithsonian Institution, manages the immediate operational requirements of the organization's information systems. Van Dyke stabilizes the network architecture that supports ongoing wildlife conservation studies and public education portals. By prioritizing system reliability, the Acting Chief Information Officer ensures that researchers maintain uninterrupted access to critical biological databases. This role involves coordinating with internal departments to address urgent technical challenges and maintaining the integrity of the institution's digital assets. Through the oversight of daily IT operations, George Van Dyke facilitates the smooth execution of scientific research projects. The Acting Chief Information Officer supports the broader mission by ensuring that technological resources remain available for field studies and collaborative conservation initiatives. By maintaining high standards for system performance, Van Dyke enables the institution to continue its vital work in protecting endangered species and advancing zoological science.

Janet Abrams, the Director, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Information Officer, Office of at The Smithsonian Institution, aligns long-term organizational goals with technological implementation. Abrams directs the planning of strategic projects that enhance the institution's capacity for wildlife conservation and scientific research. By bridging the gap between administrative objectives and technical execution, the Director, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Information Officer, Office of ensures that digital investments directly support the mission of preventing extinction. This role involves managing cross-departmental initiatives that leverage data to improve animal management and public engagement. Through the coordination of complex projects, Janet Abrams fosters innovation in how the institution approaches ecological challenges. The Director, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Information Officer, Office of drives the development of frameworks that integrate research findings into practical conservation strategies, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of zoological science and biodiversity protection.

Porter Wilkinson, the Counselor and Chief of Staff To the Regents at The Smithsonian Institution, manages the governance and administrative alignment between the Board of Regents and the executive leadership. Wilkinson facilitates the communication of strategic priorities, ensuring that the institution's conservation mission remains central to all policy decisions. By overseeing the administrative functions of the Regents, the Counselor and Chief of Staff To the Regents ensures that the organization adheres to its founding principles of scientific rigor and evidence-based practice. This role involves coordinating high-level meetings and managing the flow of information to support informed decision-making. Through the oversight of governance processes, Porter Wilkinson enables the institution to pursue its goals of protecting endangered species and advancing zoological science. The Counselor and Chief of Staff To the Regents drives the alignment of institutional activities with the long-term vision of the Board, ensuring operational stability and strategic focus.