Meroë Park has been in public service for over 30 years, filling a wide range of roles. For the past five years, she has served as the Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer at the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum and research complex in the world. Park oversees the operations of 21 museums, the National Zoo, eight research institutes, and other executive functions. She leads the Institution’s strategic plan and is responsible for implementing its many initiatives across the organization.

Park served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency. She started as a junior analyst and rose through the ranks to serve her last four years as the Agency’s Executive Director—the CIA’s Chief Operating Officer and its most senior career post. Her other roles included the Director of Human Resources, as well as several overseas posts. She currently serves on Georgetown University’s Board of Directors and is a Distinguished Executive in Residence.

During her federal career, Park earned numerous awards. She was twice the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, the Federal Government’s highest honor for career professionals. She also received the CIA’s Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Agency’s most prestigious recognition, for her leadership as the Executive Director.

Park cares deeply about the professional development of others, making time for mentoring and sharing her personal lessons learned. She often draws upon and shares her past experiences, with a focus on navigating complex professional work environments. Park is an advocate for public service and supporting young professionals as they launch their careers.