Conversation with Sheila P. Burke
Smithsonian’s Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer

February 8, 2007

The Executive Women in Government (EWG) continues our lunch series with a special opportunity to hear from Smithsonian’s Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Sheila Burke.
In an interview in the Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government bulletin, Sheila Burke described her position at the Smithsonian as one in which she is "creating a connection with the public and helping people understand the historical legacy that has led us to what we are today. The Smithsonian is not unlike a university in that it's engaged in scholarly research as well as programmed activities."

Hear about her twists and turns on the career ladder – from practicing RN to Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole’s chief of staff to Executive Dean Kennedy School of Government to COO at the Smithsonian – and learn the inside view on the Smithsonian’s goal to expand it far beyond its Washington, D.C. base through a creative use of traveling exhibits that build on smaller local archives. Burke, who during her tenure on the Hill earned the moniker "the 101st senator," was among the women who began the shift in gender representation in Washington in 1970s. She has said she believes "enormous progress has been made," but emphasizes that obstacles remain. She’ll share her philosophy on women’s role in the public and private sector.

Click here for her full bio. Click here read an interview with her.

Event Snapshot
Date: Thursday, February 8
Time: Registration & Networking 11:30 AM; Luncheon & Speaker: 12 noon
Location: Executive Conference Room at the National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. and Constitution Ave.
Cost: $35 EWG Members, $40 Guests

On line registration is closed. Please register on site. Thank you.

Admission to the National National Museum of Natural History and to all its exhibitions, tours and other public educational programs is free of charge. Any charge or request for contributions is unrelated to the NMNH.