The Rye Historical Society (RHS) announced on Tuesday it has a new executive director.
Sophia N. Johnson, PhD, joined the RHS on January 5th. Previously she led Columbia University’s Program for Economic Research, one of the world’s leading economic research programs. In that role, she oversaw strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors, developed a grant-making framework, and spearheaded a major initiative to diversify and strengthen the field of economics. She also serves as chair of the Green Policy Task Force in the Village of Ardsley. The group’s last director, Anne Gold, left in March of 2025 to become the executive director of the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District.
“I am deeply honored to serve alongside an extraordinary team of dedicated professionals whose care, expertise, and vision guide this work every day,” said Johnson. “I look forward to serving our ever-broadening audiences while preserving the Rye Historical Society’s unique character.”
Johnson has also taught at New York University, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Affairs. She has also served as visiting scholar at the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS), the Developing Countries’ Research Centre at Delhi University, Population Research Centre at the University of Kashmir, and the Centre for Development Studies, also in India. She currently teaches part time in the Department of Economics at Pace University. She was the host and executive producer of The Feminist Perspective – a weekly public affairs series which examined the economics and politics of women’s rights and social movements, and aired on several PBS stations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sophia N. Johnson, PhD to the Rye Historical Society,” said Jackie Jenkins, president of RHS’ board of trustees. “Her deep commitment to community engagement, demonstrated through her volunteer work with her local community’s Green Policy Task Force, shows she understands the power of bringing people together around a shared purpose. Combined with her strong economic background from her time at NYU and Columbia, she brings exactly the skills and heart we need to steward the Rye Historical Society through these challenging times, while strengthening our connections within our community. Please stop by the Square House and say hello to Sophia!”
