Capitol Hill veteran will lead the Office of Government Relations

Rachelle Graves brings more than 25 years’ experience to her new role.

Rachelle Graves, currently the staff director for Ranking Member Deb Fisher (R-Neb.) on the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, will become director of OGR July 17.

She is a well-respected leader on Capitol Hill, having worked in the legislative chambers of both the Senate and House of Representatives. She has experience with a wide range of issues from her work with six different subcommittees of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. In addition, Rachelle has worked with the Senate and House Subcommittees for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, which have direct oversight of the Smithsonian. 

Previously, Graves worked in the private sector as Director of Government Relations for Motorola. She also served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the European Aeronautics Defense and Space North America office. 

“As we all know, the support of Congress—at the leadership, committee, and staff levels—is critical not only to our day-to-day operations but also to our future as an Institution,” said Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch. “Rachelle’s congressional acumen, coupled with her strong relationships and interpersonal skills, will be instrumental to leading these efforts at the federal, congressional, and regional level. Please join me in welcoming Rachelle Graves as director of the Office of Government Relations.” 

Graves succeeds the late Vernon Simms, who served as the OGR director from 2020-2022.

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