News Article

The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) announced today that it has appointed Oona Schmid, CAE, as its new Executive Director. Ms. Schmid will join SAA on September 17th, working closely with the SAA Board to ensure a smooth transition. She will officially assume the role of Executive Director on September 28th upon the retirement of the current Executive Director.

In her role as Executive Director, Ms. Schmid will be responsible for leading SAA’s dedicated staff while growing the value of the organization to its members, supporters, sponsors, partners, and other stakeholders. She will lead efforts to expand the quality and quantity of the organization’s programs while increasing and strengthening its membership base.

Ms. Schmid brings extensive experience in association management, including earning a Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives. She also has expertise with publications, strategic planning, and development of new programs and staff. Ms. Schmid served as Chief of Staff for Operation Renewed Hope Foundation beginning in May 2016, where she oversaw a budget of $1 million. Prior to that, she served for nearly nine years as Director, Publishing, for the American Anthropological Association, where she managed a $3.5 million operations budget.

“Ms. Schmid’s excellent leadership skills and proven track record of collaboration and creative problem solving make her the perfect choice for SAA’s Executive Director,” said SAA President Susan Chandler. “We look forward to working with her and to exploring strategies to move the Society forward into the future.”

“I am well acquainted with the crucial role that societies like SAA play. I’m very excited to join SAA, the central voice for defending the contributions of archaeologists and protecting the sites that undergird our comprehension of past human experience,” said Ms. Schmid. “I consider preservation of heritage and the study of the human past to be at a watershed moment. My background and experience will enhance SAA’s commitment to its members, their professional development, and ensuring the work of future generations. I look forward to continuing the organization’s strengths and expanding its reach.”

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