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Elsa Smithgall is the current Chief Curator at The Phillips Collection. Prior to their current role, they served as the Special Assistant to the Director at the Institute of Museum and Library Services from 1994 to 1996. In this role, they were responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the office of the Presidentially-appointed Director and managed their wide network of communications with cultural leaders in museums and government.

Before their time at the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Elsa Smithgall served as the Program Assistant at the National Gallery of Art from 1990 to 1991. In this role, they collaborated with the dean, associate dean and manager of the Center to successfully plan and implement regular meetings, receptions, scholarly lectures, and colloquia for the fellows and other notable scholars.

Elsa Smithgall is a highly respected museum professional with a wealth of experience in both museum administration and curatorial work. Elsa is a passionate advocate for the arts and has played a key role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding through their work in both government and private institutions.

Elsa Smithgall attended the Museum Leadership Institute's Executive Education Program for Museum Leaders and received a Master of Arts in Art Elsa'story from The University of Texas at Austin. Elsa also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art Elsa'story and French from the University of Virginia.

Elsa Smithgall reports to Dorothy Kosinski, Vradenburg Director & CEO. Elsa Smithgall works with Renée Littleton - Chief Communications Officer & Director of Marketing, Cherie Nichols - Chief Financial Officer, and Wendy Ponvert - Director of Development.