Joy G. Kinard is Chair of the Division of Political History at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, where she oversees the Presidential, First Ladies, and Democracy exhibitions, advancing initiatives that broaden public understanding of the American political experience. Previously, Kinard held senior roles with the National Park Service, including Superintendent of Central Alabama Civil Rights Sites and inaugural superintendent of the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. She also managed National Capital Parks–East, overseeing sites such as the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House and the Carter G. Woodson Home. A scholar of African American History and Public History, she has published and serves on several boards. Kinard holds a B.S.W. from Livingstone College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in U.S. History from Howard University, with concentrations in Public History and Caribbean Studies.