U.S. Capitol Historical Society Names its 5th President and CEO: Roswell Encina, Former Library of Congress Chief Communications Officer
The Hon. Jane L. Campbell to Retire as USCHS President & CEO, Concluding a Distinguished Career of Public Service in Civic Education and Local, State, & Federal Government
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society announced that its Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the appointment of Roswell Encina as the organization’s fifth President & CEO. Encina is the former Chief Communications Officer for the Library of Congress and joins the Society after a nearly three-decade career that has spanned national cultural institutions, government partnerships, and broadcast journalism. Encina now brings his expertise in communications and external affairs to the Society, which was founded in 1962 to promote the history and heritage of the Capitol. Encina will replace the Hon. Jane L. Campbell, who will retire next month after nearly seven years as President & CEO of the Society. Under her leadership, the Society succeeded in expanding its public programming while growing its supporter and donor bases beyond Washington, D.C. to across the United States.
“The Board of Trustees is excited to welcome Roswell Encina as the U.S. Capitol Historical Society’s fifth President & CEO. Roswell offers a wealth of professional and institutional knowledge that we are confident will help take the Society to the next level. On the eve of America’s 250th anniversary, we look forward to new and compelling ways of teaching Americans about the history of, arguably, our most important civic institution: the United States Congress. The Board of Trustees would also like to thank Jane Campbell for her years of tireless service to the Society. One of the lessons of history is that each generation seeks to make things better for those who follow. We can say without hesitation that she impressively achieved exactly that,” said Dontai L. Smalls, Chairman of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society Board of Trustees.
“I am honored to lead the U.S. Capitol Historical Society and excited to continue the tradition of spotlighting the Capitol’s place in our nation’s history, its central role in our democracy, and its critical part in elevating civics across American society. Together, we will expand the Society’s reach, champion research and education that bring Congress’ history to life, and highlight the Capitol building’s essential role in inspiring and sustaining a healthy democracy. Most importantly, I want every person to see themselves in the U.S. Capitol, to feel welcomed by its stories, and to recognize their own stake in the work of self-government. If we can achieve that sense of collective ownership, we will strengthen the civic fabric that holds our nation together,” said Roswell Encina, Fifth President & CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.
“It has been among my life’s great honors to lead the U.S. Capitol Historical Society and its dedicated team of experts and professionals. Our system only works when citizens participate in their government—why the Society spends each day building the civic education tools necessary to foster an informed patriotism. In these challenging times, the Society also works to tell the stories of congressional history when leaders of different backgrounds—yet shared values—came together to strengthen our nation, and the rights of men and women. I wish Roswell Encina the best, I have faith in his vision, and I stand ready to help him succeed,” said the Hon. Jane L. Campbell, Fourth President & CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.
The U.S. Capitol Historical Society was founded in 1962 by U.S. Congressman Fred Schwengel. He believed that “The millions of people, adult and youth, who come” to the Capitol “need somehow to be helped while they are here to catch something of the fire that burned in the hearts of those who walked and talked in these halls—Jefferson, Adams, Clay, Webster, Lincoln…” Doing so, he believed, “will be good for America.” To this end, the Society was chartered by Congress in 1978 to help foster and increase an “informed patriotism.”
The Society’s Board of Trustees selected Encina for their belief in his dedication and ability to fulfill this mission, especially as the United States approaches next year’s 250th anniversary. Encina most recently spent nine years on the executive leadership team for the Library of Congress under Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress. In 2020, the Society presented its highest honor—the Freedom Award—to Hayden for working “tirelessly every day to advance public understanding of and appreciation for freedom through making the Library’s vast and diverse collections accessible to its users throughout the country.”
Encina played a crucial role in executing that vision while leading more than 130 people across the Library’s Communications, Multimedia, Visitor Engagement, and Learning & Outreach sectors, with a roughly $100 million budget. In so doing, Encina helped elevate the Library’s national profile by expanding public engagement, earned media, and philanthropic support; and through high visibility programs and partnerships including the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and the National Book Festival.
Prior to his federal service, Encina served as Director of Communications for Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library, where he elevated the library’s name and civic presence through citywide collaborations with museums and performing arts organizations; and strategic media relations that positioned the institution as a community anchor. Earlier in his career, Encina worked in broadcasting and journalism as an Emmy nominated and Associated Press winning reporter, experience that sharpened the message discipline, on camera clarity, and crisis readiness he brings to executive leadership.
This track record and experience positions Encina to build upon the legacy left by Campbell who—prior to serving the Society—was Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (2013-2014), U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu’s Chief of Staff (2009-2013), the first and only female Mayor of Cleveland (2002-2006), a Member of the Ohio House of Representatives (1985-1996), and President of the National Conference of State Legislatures (1995).
The projects offered by the Society which Campbell helped to develop or strengthen include:
- We The People Constitution Tour: This field trip takes D.C. Title One school students to historic sites across Washington, D.C. where they learn about the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and creation of the city. The field trip is free for Title One students and includes lunch, a private bus, transportation, and a pocket Constitution.
- Public History Events: The Society hosts public history programs on a variety of topics related to the U.S. Capitol, Congress, and the people who work there. These events range from large in-person annual symposia to weekly webinars on Constitutional amendments, as well as bi-annual events welcoming new Members to Congress.
- We The People Hub: The Society’s free online repository offers learners of all ages access to civics and history resources. The hub hosts lesson plans from partner organizations. The material is customizable and interactive, making it accessible for all ages.
- Capitol Civics: The Society’s Capitol civics content takes complex legislative procedure and teaches them through compelling moments in U.S. history to best engage learners of all ages. It is funded by the Library of Congress Teaching Through Primary Sources Grant. Primary source materials are pivotal to the Society’s education team’s work and are featured throughout the workshops.
- Teaching the Constitution Through Theater: Original plays, developed with StoryWorks Theater, focusing on pivotal moments and figures in American history. Each play is accompanied by a set of curriculum materials, including lesson plans, discussion, questions, and activities, designed to integrate seamlessly into teaching.
Other Societal activities include the enhancement and preservation of the Capitol’s collection of art and artifacts, sponsorship of research on the public careers of those who have served in the Capitol, and assistance to Congressional and other Capitol offices. The Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, tax-exempt, educational 501(c)3 organization.
To learn more about the Society, please visit CapitolHistory.org.
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