The Middle East Institute is pleased to announce that Trudi Rishikof has been named Executive Director of the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center. The Middle East Institute, in cooperation with the Sultanate of Oman, opened the SQCC in 2005. Its office is located at MEI headquarters in Washington, DC.

Rishikof brings extensive non-profit program and management experience, including six years at the Harvard Center for European Studies and three years as President of the Alliance Française de Washington. She also has held senior communications positions at American University, the United Negro College Fund and the Council of Chief State School Officers.

“Trudi Rishikof brings a wealth of professional experience and enthusiasm to the SQCC, ” said MEI Acting President David Mack, “We look forward to a close working relationship as she pursues educational and cultural programs highlighting Oman and the Gulf region.”

Rishikof is a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College (BA, Art History) and has a MA in Business and a MA in Education.

The forerunner of the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center was originally founded in 1984 to honor the 150th anniversary of the establishment of relations between Oman and the United States. Today the Center's mission continues to promote understanding of the culture and heritage of Oman, the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf region.