• by Ray Schultz , February 5, 2024

Debra Rosenberg has been named as executive editor of Smithsonian magazine, the first woman to hold the title in the magazine’s 53-year existence and only the fifth editor overall. 

Rosenberg will lead content, strategy and production at the magazine. 

Previously, Rosenberg was director of editorial operations at Smithsonian from 2019-2023. Prior to that, Rosenberg served as managing editor from 2012 to 2019. 

In addition, Rosenberg has headed political coverage at NPR.org. and was deputy editor of Newsweek. 

“My experience at Smithsonian gives me a keen understanding of the magazine’s strengths and how deeply it resonates with our readers,” Rosenberg says. “I’m eager to build on its legacy of high-quality, authoritative reporting that reflects the rich mission of the Institution.” 

Smithsonian magazine is part of Smithsonian Media, a unit of Smithsonian Enterprise, the revenue-generating division of the Smithsonian institution.