Staff Changes at Smithsonian Affiliations

It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later

Long-time Affiliations team members Jennifer Brundage and Natalie Wimberly have accepted new positions within the Smithsonian and will soon be embarking on the next phase of their careers. We sat down with them to ask a few questions and have them reflect on their time with Smithsonian Affiliations. Here’s the full interview and some fun photos from the past decade (or more!).

Tell us about your new role…

Natalie: I’m excited to be stepping into the role of Administrative Management Specialist at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in the Repatriation Office. It’s quite the shift — from working closely with educational programs and community partnerships to supporting science-focused initiatives — but I’m looking forward to the challenge. Plus, who wouldn’t want to work near dinosaurs?

Jennifer: I will be co-leading the initiative to cultivate Regional Collaboratives within the Office of the Undersecretary for Education (OUSE), which will kick off in 2026 for the U.S. semiquincentennial. The challenge is to weave together the Institution’s many national partnerships and co-create sustainable collaborative frameworks with them that will mark new ways for the Smithsonian to be in service to communities for the next 250 years.

What will you miss about Affiliations?

Jennifer: Well…I won’t say ‘miss’ per se, because we already know how crucial Affiliates are to this new initiative. Working in Affiliations has taught me again and again about the power of relationships built on trust, candor and authenticity. I will bring that spirit of camaraderie and collaboration with me as our networks expand and intertwine. I also love when lines blur between professional and personal relationships. I feel lucky that so many Affiliate colleagues feel comfortable texting me, coming over to my place for dinner, cycling or sailing together and more. So many Affiliate colleagues are dear friends as well, and I’m grateful those bonds can continue. My email address and cell number remain the same!

Natalie: Oh, where do I start? I’ll definitely miss the day-to-day work of managing the membership program, handling procurement tasks by issuing funds to Affiliates for their program participation, and creating those annual Affiliate fee invoices (yes, even that!). But most of all, I’ll miss the incredible connections I’ve made with my colleagues and our Affiliate partners. Working alongside such passionate people has been the heart of my Affiliations experience.

How do you hope to stay connected with Affiliations?

Natalie: I’m not venturing far — just a short walk across the National Mall — and I absolutely plan to stay connected. Whether it’s possibly collaborating on future projects, or perhaps exploring ways NMNH Human Dignity Team can engage with Affiliates, or just catching up at the next conference, I’m excited to keep those connections strong.

Jennifer: Luckily, my new desk is only 4 floors away from the Affiliations team, in the same building! As the Secretary always says, the Smithsonian’s greatest asset is its people. So true! And I maintain that the staff of Affiliations is a truly exceptional standout at the Institution. Their passion, work ethic, integrity, teamwork and relationship skills are second to none (and I’ve been here a loooong time.) I may be in another office, but I expect to see them all frequently in meetings and on the road, as we together craft an infrastructure of expanded outreach across the country.

Nicole Bryner will be transitioning back into the National Outreach Manager role and supporting the Affiliates in Jennifer’s portfolio. While we determine who the contact will be for Natalie’s projects—Affiliate Membership Program and invoicing—please email your National Outreach Manager or affiliates@si.edu. While we are sad to see Jennifer and Natalie go, we hope you’ll join us in wishing them luck in their new roles. See you soon, Jennifer and Natalie!