Jun
27

Kristi Delich steps up as Director of the Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management

Kristi Delich, who has been serving as the Acting Director of the Office of Visitor Services within the Office of Communications and External Affairs since 2022, will continue to serve as the office’s new Director.  

Head shot of OVS DIrector Kristi Delich
Kristi Delich
Director,
Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management

With more than 20 years of experience in the museum field, including as the Director of Visitor Services at the National Building Museum and the Volunteer Manager at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C., Kristi brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insight to her new role. 

Prior to serving as Acting Director, Kristi was detailed to the Smithsonian’s Reopening Task Force from 2020 to 2022. She led the Institution’s efforts to identify a web-based ticketing service provider for Smithsonian museums. Her successful implementation of the Institution’s timed-entry system was instrumental to our ability to serve the public in the early days of the pandemic. Prior to her work with the Task Force, Delich served as Deputy Director of OVS. She also is co-lead for the SI-wide Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, which is being reimagined to enhance our strategy and significantly influence our interaction with visitors. 

As Acting Director of OVS, Delich has focused on strengthening the relationship between OVS and the units’ visitor and engagement teams. Her efforts have paved the way for the development of a pan-institutional visitor-engagement strategy. This strategy encompasses all aspects of our organization and aims to ensure a consistent and exceptional visitor experience across various units and departments. 

Kristi Delich replaces former OVS Director, Sherri Wheeler who departed the Institution in March 2022. 

“Those of you that know her or have had an opportunity to work with Kristi know how very well deserved this promotion is,” said Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer. “Please join me in congratulating Kristi and wishing her much continued success.”

Banner and logo mark for the Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management

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Posted: 27 June 2023
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.