Jul
05

Nancy Yao steps down as founding director of the National Museum of American Women’s History

Melanie Adams will serve as Interim Director

Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced today that Nancy Yao, selected as founding director of the new Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Women’s History in March, has stepped down in order to focus her attention on family matters. The search for a new director will begin immediately.

In the meantime, Dr. Melanie Adams, the Roger Ferguson and Annette Nazareth Director of the Anacostia Community Museum, will step in to serve as Interim Director of SAWHM. Lisa Sasaki, the current Interim Director, will move to a new leadership role. 

Portrait of Sasaki
Lisa Sasaki

Effective today, Sasaki assumes the role of Deputy Under Secretary for Special Projects reporting to Kevin Gover, Under Secretary for Museums and Culture. In this role, and in collaboration with Gover, Sasaki will manage the Smithsonian’s preparations for our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and other pan-institutional projects. An experienced and versatile leader at the Smithsonian, Sasaki will provide thoughtful leadership to the Institution as it plays a key role in our nation’s semi-quincentennial celebration, fostering collaboration across the Institution and with federal partners. Sasaki also will provide direction and guidance to other initiatives to maximize the Smithsonian’s impact online and in communities across the country.

“For the past two years, Lisa has served as Interim Director of SAWHM. In this capacity, she has overseen the initial development of the new museum, leading staff, programming, fundraising, and outreach,” said Secretary Bunch. “Lisa has ensured a strong start, adeptly positioning the museum for its future success. Prior to SAWHM, Lisa served as the Director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center from 2016 to 2021. From 2018 to 2019, Lisa also served as ACM’s Acting Director.”   

Head shot of Melanie Adams
Melanie A. Adams

As Sasaki transitions to her new role, Adams will temporarily step away from her ACM duties to SAWHM. Adams joined the Smithsonian in 2018 from the Minnesota Historical Society where she served as Deputy Director for Learning Initiatives.

“A transformational leader and change agent, Melanie steered ACM through the pandemic by expanding the museum’s presence beyond its physical walls,” said Bunch. “She broadened ACM’s community-centered programming to be responsive to community needs, and on this year’s Earth Day, she launched the Smithsonian’s Center for Environmental Justice. An active museum leader, Melanie served on the board of the American Association for State and Local History and is the former President of the Association of Midwest Museums. Melanie will report to Kevin.

“Please join me in congratulating and thanking Lisa and Melanie for their continued service and commitment to the Smithsonian,” Bunch concluded.


Posted: 5 July 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.