During the April 28, 2025, meeting of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society’s Board of Trustees, the Honorable Jane L. Campbell announced her intention to retire from her service as the Society’s fourth President and CEO before the end of 2025. “It has been an honor and a privilege to lead this organization over the last half-dozen years,” Ms. Campbell said. “We have endured many trials and tribulations, but through it all we remained steadfast in pursuit of our congressionally charted mission ‘to foster and increase an informed patriotism.’ I believe that we made great strides, and I am confident that the team we’ve built will sustain and grow the work of the Society.”
Dontai Smalls, Chairman of the Society’s Board of Trustees, thanked Ms. Campbell for her service to the organization, noting that “throughout history, providence has often brought the right people into leadership at the right time.” He went on to praise Ms. Campbell’s stewardship of the organization through dual challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and Capitol upheaval during and after the events of January 6: “either of these challenges could have sunk a nonprofit organization so closely connected with the Capitol and its visitors; Jane and her team held firm, redoubled their efforts, and the Society emerged stronger for their labors.”
Asked about her decision to retire, Ms. Campbell reflected on American history:
“Among the greatest acts in the founding of our nation were George Washington’s decisions to give up—rather than cling to—power. In so doing, he set an example that service requires a recognition that the foundational principles of our country can be sustained across generations. It is time to pass the torch.”
Ms. Campbell’s retirement will conclude the public chapters of a life of great service, which began with voter registration drives as a child in her parents’ living room, ran across the country in support of ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, through a dozen years in the Ohio General Assembly, five years as a Cuyahoga County Commissioner, and a term as the first (and to date only) woman Mayor of Cleveland. After electoral politics, Ms. Campbell held a fellowship with the Harvard Institute of Politics, managed multiple community development organizations, and served as Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu and Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship before her appointment to the Presidency of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.
Mr. Smalls announced the formation of a Board search committee which will begin fielding applications immediately.
“We are looking for an inspiring and visionary leader to serve as the fifth President and CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. This person will be the strategic and operational leader of the organization, responsible for furthering the Society’s mission, expanding its reach, and ensuring its financial sustainability. Reflecting the unique position of the Society, the President and CEO works closely with the Congress, educators, historians, and donors, in addition to serving as the public face of the organization – significant experience in these areas is a must-have.”
Potential candidates are asked to review the Key Responsibilities and Ideal Candidate Qualities on this webpage and express their interest in consideration by emailing a letter of interest and resume to CEOSearch@uschs.org.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership: Advance the Society’s mission and long-term vision.
Fundraising and Development: Drive major gift campaigns, partnerships, and membership growth.
Educational Innovation: Expand dynamic programs that reach audiences nationwide.
Public Representation: Serve as the Society’s chief ambassador and spokesperson.
Operational Excellence: Oversee budget management, staffing, and compliance.
Ideal Candidate Qualities
Passion for American history, government, and civic education with a commitment to nonpartisan values.
Executive leadership experience in nonprofit, educational, cultural, or historical organizations with a demonstrable record of strategic planning.
Proven success in fundraising, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement.
Ten or more years’ experience within or with the Congress.
Strong communication skills; experience in institutional communications across traditional, digital, and social media preferred.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
