Jan
02

New director of Museum Conservation Institute comes on board in April

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced today that Sanchita Balachandran has been named director of the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute, effective April 8. Balachandran, a conservator of archaeological materials, is currently the director of the Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum and associate teaching professor in the Department of Near Eastern Studies at the Johns Hopkins University.

 

Head shot of Sanchita Balachandran

Sanchita Balachandran

With more than 20 years’ experience, Balachandran is a well-respected leader in the field of archaeological conservation. She also teaches courses related to the technical study and analysis of ancient objects, and the history, ethics and future of museum practice. Previously, she was the associate director (2017–2022) and curator/conservator (2010–2017) at the Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum.

Balachandran holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pomona College, a master’s degree in art history and an advanced certificate in art conservation from the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, and is a PhD candidate in preservation studies at the University of Delaware.

Secretary Bunch thanked Jessica Johnson, Head of Conservation, for her service as interim director of the Museum Conservation Institute and acknowledged the search committee, staffed by Suleyka Lozins and Angela Strader, Office of Human Resources, and Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary, who helped identify Balachandran as the successful candidate:

  • Shannon Brogdon-Grantham, Conservator, Paper and Photo, Museum Conservation Institute
  • Michelle Gates Moresi, Supervisory Museum Curator, National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Gwenaelle Kavich, Conservation Scientist, MCI
  • Aviva Rosenthal, Director, Office of International Relations
  • Bill Tompkins, Director, National Collections Program
  • Cori Wegener, Director, SI Cultural Rescue Initiative, OIR

Balachandran succeeds Robert Koestler, who retired from the Smithsonian in January 2023.

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Posted: 2 January 2024
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.