Director named for SITES | Affiliations

Kara Blond brings 25 years of experience to her new role, including previous stints at the Smithsonian.

Kara Blond

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced today that Kara Blond will become the new director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations, effective June 30. Blond brings more than 25 years of experience spanning museum and archives management, exhibition development, strategic planning, and community engagement to this pivotal role.

Blond is no stranger to the Smithsonian. Earlier in her career, she held several leadership roles here, including positions at the National Museum of Natural History and the National Zoo. In these capacities, she oversaw major exhibitions, directed strategic planning initiatives, and cultivated national partnerships—demonstrating her ability to lead complex, high-profile cultural initiatives with innovative programming and strong collaborations.

Most recently, Blond served as the executive for presidential libraries at the National Archives and Records Administration, where she managed a nationwide system of 16 presidential libraries and museums. Prior to her work at NARA, she was the executive director of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., where she led the development, fundraising and launch of this new institution, securing over $35 million in capital funding. 

Kara Blond is from Rockville, Maryland, and holds a Master of Arts degree in education from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Pennsylvania. She succeeds Myriam Springuel, who retired as director of SITES | Affiliations in May 2024.

“We also want to express our sincere gratitude to Tricia Edwards, who has served as Interim Director for SITES | Affiliations since June 2024,” Bunch said. “Her steady leadership and dedication during this transitional period have been instrumental in maintaining the vital work of SITES | Affiliations, and we are deeply thankful for her commitment.

“Kara’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding the Smithsonian’s reach and enriching the ways we connect with communities across the country,” Bunch continued. “Her extensive experience and strategic vision will be vital as we work to share Smithsonian stories and meaningful educational experiences. Please join me in welcoming Kara Blond back to the Smithsonian as she takes on this new role.”