Isaacson, Miller Recruits Chief Information Officer for the Smithsonian Institution
May 13, 2026 – Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Zack Kahn as chief information officer for the Smithsonian Institution. Karen Avery and Dan Rodas led this search with Stephen Kalogeras and Caroline Corry.
Mr. Kahn joins the Smithsonian Institution with more than two decades of strategic technology leadership across federal agencies, global operations, and mission‑driven institutions. He previously served as acting chief information officer at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where he oversaw the technology and data transition associated with USAID’s operational shift to the U.S. Department of State. In this role, he guided complex system integrations, strengthened data governance, and ensured continuity of mission delivery during a period of significant organizational change. He also built and led high‑performing global technology teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and strategic alignment.
Prior to becoming acting CIO, Mr. Kahn served as USAID’s division chief for IT operations, directing global IT services across 100 Missions. His leadership advanced agency-wide Generative AI adoption, modernized emergency connectivity through low Earth orbit satellite deployment, and strengthened cybersecurity and mobile capabilities. Earlier, as Chief of Staff to the CIO, he oversaw daily operations of a 500‑person IT workforce and helped USAID achieve its first sustained “A” grade on the federal FITARA Scorecard.
In his new role with the Smithsonian Institution, Mr. Kahn oversees the office and personnel responsible for providing the technology tools, services, and applications needed to ensure robust day-to-day operations across the organization and for delivering leading-edge solutions in areas of strategic importance.
The Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums, research centers, libraries, and educational facilities established by the United States government in 1846. Based primarily in Washington, D.C., it was created with funds from British scientist James Smithson, who left his estate to the United States to support “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The institution includes 21 museums, the National Zoo, and numerous research programs covering subjects such as history, science, art, culture, and space exploration.
A nationally recognized search firm focused on recruiting transformational leaders for mission-driven organizations, Isaacson, Miller has conducted thousands of placements over more than three decades. More than half of the firm’s work has been in academia, involving university presidents, college chancellors and deans. The firm has filled top leadership posts at Wellesley College, Washington State University, Miami University, Howard University, Bowdoin College, Dartmouth, NYU, Virginia State University, and the University of North Carolina, among others.
Related: Isaacson, Miller Tapped By Texas A&M to Lead Search for New President
John Isaacson, the firm’s chair, founded Isaacson, Miller in 1982. He has led searches in many areas of the firm’s practice. Mr. Isaacson has helped the firm develop its cumulative knowledge of the craft of search and has attended, with increasing interest, to the missionary purposes of institutions, the political and economic disciplines of specialized markets, and the emotional and intellectual learnings that leaders acquire in a committed working life.
Proven Search Consultants
Ms. Avery is a multidisciplinary executive search consultant with a deep background in philanthropy, education, arts and culture, and fundraising. She has an entrepreneurial spirit and a proven ability to adapt and grow in new arenas. Her work stretches across the nation, and she has a breadth of knowledge and contacts with executive leaders in the non-profit organizational management sphere, in the community impact space, and in schools and higher education. Prior to joining Isaacson, Miller, Ms. Avery served as senior director at the PBS Foundation and director of foundation relations at the Smithsonian Institution.
The Folger Shakespeare Library Retained Isaacson, Miller for CFO Search
Isaacson, Miller has been selected by the Folger Shakespeare Library to lead in its search for a new CFO. Dan Rodas is leading this search with Stephanie Simon, and Robin Dougherty. This is an opportunity to partner closely with director Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper at a time of strategic growth and organizational transformation. As the Folger embarks on a new strategic planning process, the CFO will play a defining role in shaping a sustainable financial future for the Folger—balancing innovation in public engagement with careful stewardship of its extraordinary legacy.
Mr. Rodas, partner, joined the firm in 2013 after a career in higher education spanning over two decades. At Isaacson, Miller, he has built a multi-faceted search practice, leading recruitment assignments in higher education, academic medicine, research institutes, independent schools, and other non-profit organizations. He has a track record of recruiting financial and operational leaders for leading institutions nationally. Mr. Rodas has also led searches for department heads, deans, and provosts, as well as leaders in numerous functional areas, including enrollment management, information technology, human resources, facilities management, procurement, data analytics, institutional research, emergency management and public safety. Prior to joining the firm, he served as vice president for planning and VP for human resources at Long Island University, as well as provost of Southampton College.
Mr. Kalogeras joined Isaacson, Miller as an associate in 2021. Prior to joining the firm, he worked with art and design students at Parsons School of Design at The New School as assistant director of Academic and Career Advising. His experience working in education spans from higher education to school counseling 6th-12th grade students.
Ms. Corry, senior search coordinator, joined Isaacson, Miller in 2022. She comes to IM with experience in nonprofits, having worked in various capacities with organizations including the International Rescue Committee and the Virginia Holistic Justice Initiative.
Related: Isaacson, Miller Retained by the Brooklyn Academy of Music for President Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
