Julissa Marenco
Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer
Julissa Marenco is the Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs for the Smithsonian Institution. Marenco oversees the Institution’s Office of Public Affairs, Government Relations, Visitor Services, and Special Events and Protocol.
Most recently, Marenco served as the chief external affairs officer and senior advisor at the Federal Communications Commission where she directed outreach, education and external affairs in the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. She was responsible for establishing strategic partnerships and developing outreach efforts to consumers, stakeholders, and public and private partners.
Previously, Marenco was the president of ZGS Communications Station Group where she oversaw the management and direction of 13 Telemundo television stations, three radio stations, multiple digital properties and more than 200 employees. She was responsible for implementing strategic partnerships, marketing initiatives and public relations campaigns designed to drive ratings, increase audience shares and build awareness and branding. Marenco established key relationships with community stakeholders, Fortune 500 companies, Congress, press and media organizations, and federal, local and state governments. Before that, she was the general manager of Telemundo WZDC 25 in Washington, D.C. As general manager, she oversaw the day-to-day operation and financial management of the station.
Marenco earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Rowan University and her master’s degree from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. In 2007, she was selected by the President of the United States to serve as a White House Fellow.
Marenco is a member of the International Women’s Forum, a nonprofit organization advancing women’s leadership globally and locally. In addition, she is the treasurer and a member of the board and executive committee of Destination DC, Washington, D.C.’s official marketing organization. From 2018 to 2021, she served as a commissioner of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission. In 2021, she was appointed to serve on the American Alliance of Museums’ board of directors.
# # #
SI-208-2021
