Meet Bernadette Meehan, the new CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation ⬇️
Meehan has extensive international leadership experience, policy expertise, a strong background in community engagement, and a commitment to mission-driven work that aligns closely with Wikimedia's vision of free knowledge for all.
From 2022 to 2025, Meehan served as US Ambassador to Chile, where she was recognized for her expansive public engagement, open communication style, and diplomatic achievements – including advancement of major technology and scientific infrastructure initiatives like the Humboldt Cable and astronomical research projects.
Prior to her ambassadorship, Meehan worked at the Obama Foundation, designing and leading international programs, and spent over a decade as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, with diplomatic assignments in Colombia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.
Meehan speaks Spanish and Arabic, and has served on advisory boards for Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of Diplomacy and Hostage US.
She will lead the Wikimedia Foundation's global staff and work closely with thousands of volunteer editors, affiliates, donors, and partners worldwide. She will join the Foundation on 20 January 2026.
Read more ➡️
wikimediafoundation.org/welc…