San Francisco (9 December 2025) — The Wikimedia Foundation today announced the appointment of Bernadette Meehan as Chief Executive Officer. Meehan brings 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. She will join the Foundation on January 20, 2026.

“Bernadette has been committed to public service and community engagement throughout her career,” said Lorenzo Losa, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Wikimedia Foundation. “Her approach to leadership is about collaboration and diplomacy to achieve lasting impact. She will be the right leader to support our global movement and center Wikimedia’s role as a trusted source of knowledge from humans around the world.” 

Meehan most recently served as U.S. Ambassador to Chile from 2022 to 2025, where she was recognized for her expansive public engagement, open communication style, and numerous diplomatic achievements. These included passage of a bilateral tax treaty and advancement of major technology and scientific infrastructure initiatives, such as the first subsea cable connecting South America and Asia, and astronomical research projects. Prior to her ambassadorship, she served as Executive Vice President for Global Programs at the Obama Foundation, where she designed and led leadership development programs spanning Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and South Asia.

Her commitment to public service was shaped over more than a decade as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. Her diplomatic assignments included Special Assistant to the President and Spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, Special Assistant to the Secretary of State, and postings in Colombia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. In 2007, the Department of State recognized her as one of its most promising future leaders.

Meehan began her career in the private sector, as a Vice President at J.P. Morgan Chase and later Lehman Brothers, building a foundation in global markets, financial strategy, and technology.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Wikimedia Foundation as Wikipedia celebrates its 25th anniversary, showcasing what is possible when people collaborate across borders in service of shared knowledge,” said Meehan. “I join Wikimedia staff and global volunteers in their passion for advancing more resilient, stronger societies through information access and transparent discussion. Together, we will continue building a future where knowledge remains open and human-centered.” 

Meehan will lead the Wikimedia Foundation’s global staff and work closely with thousands of volunteer editors, affiliates, donors, and partners worldwide. Her priorities will include advancing the Foundation’s product and technology initiatives, navigating emerging issues around AI and content regulation, strengthening relationships with global Wikimedia communities, and sustaining Wikimedia’s financial model to support long-term growth and resilience.

Meehan holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Boston College, speaks Spanish and Arabic, and has served on advisory boards for Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy and Hostage US.

Meehan succeeds Maryana Iskander as the sixth CEO of Wikimedia Foundation.