Aviva Rosenthal is the new Director of International Relations

Senior advisor brings a wealth of international experience to her new role, effective April 13.

Aviva Rosenthal
(Photo courtesy Smithsonian Global)

Aviva brings a wealth of international experience, leadership, and partnership-building expertise to her new role.  She has served as Senior Advisor in the Smithsonian’s Office of International Relations and Global Programs since 2013, where she has managed multi-unit international programs on topics such as cultural heritage protection and museum management. She advises Smithsonian leadership on foreign policy and the changing landscape of international relations in the sciences, cultural and arts sectors and has represented the Smithsonian internationally.

Prior to her affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, Aviva honed her skills at the U.S. Department of State serving as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. She spent 10 years leading various non-profit initiatives and also served as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Presidential Scheduling, in the Executive Office of the President at the White House where she managed over 30 international trips for the President and First Lady.

Aviva is a knowledgeable professional with a proven ability to navigate complex organizations and foster collaboration internationally. She is ably prepared to engage with senior leaders across the Smithsonian Institution to move us forward as we sustain and enhance SI’s global reach.

Special thanks are due to the search committee who assisted with our selection of the new Director:

Stacy Cavanagh (lead), Associate Provost for Strategy and Organization, OUSMER/P
Gus Casely-Hayford, Director, NMAfA
Ginny Gomez, Associate General Counsel, OGC
Jessica Johnson, Head of Conservation, MCI
Carol LeBlanc, President, SE
Michael Mason, Director, CFCH
Marie Morse, International Project Manager, OIR
Will Pitt Deputy Director, SCBI

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