Chief of Staff

Monica M. Woods

Monica M. Woods was appointed as NARA's Chief of Staff in March 2024. In this role, Monica leads a diverse and broad portfolio focused on organizational optimization, collaborative engagements and partnerships, innovative programming, and impactful communications and outreach. Prior to joining NARA, Monica worked in the nonprofit sector. She was executive vice president and chief operating officer of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund, collectively referred to as The Leadership Conference. Before The Leadership Conference, Monica was Chief Administrative Officer and Vice President of Human Resources at the Urban Institute. At The Leadership Conference and Urban Institute, Monica led capacity building, organizational transformation, and change management initiatives. 

Prior to working in the nonprofit space, Monica spent several years as a federal employee with the Departments of Education and Homeland Security and the Library of Congress fostering organizational development, performance, and culture.  

Monica holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Spelman College and a master of public administration from American University.