Following a search that lasted several months, the Barack Obama Foundation announced May 31 that African-American history scholar Louise Bernard will helm the Barack Obama Presidential Center Museum, according to a news release.

Bernard will serve as the museum’s director, which means she will oversee the design, development and operations of the museum to be built as part of the $675 million center, which will be erected on the Southside of Chicago. It is slated to open in 2022.

Louise Bernard

“I’m honored to work alongside such a talented team at the Obama Foundation, and to have the opportunity to help guide and shape a museum that is a truly innovative social and cultural institution,” Bernard said in a statement. “I look forward in bringing President and Mrs. Obama’s remarkable story to the broadest possible audience, and to highlighting the crucial role of civic engagement in a way that is meaningful and inspiring to local South-Side residents, and to people across the country and around the world.”

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the job had been advertised at least since January. The foundation said the ideal candidate would be “an inspiring yet pragmatic museum professional, fundraiser and manager” and possess a deep knowledge of the Obamas’ history and administration.

“One of the key aspects of the Obama Presidential Center is a museum that does not just tell the story of the Obama administration, but inspires individuals and communities to take on our biggest challenges,” David Simas, chief executive officer of the Obama Foundation, said in a statement. “We are excited for Louise to join our team and help us develop a museum that is active and engaging.”

Currently, Bernard serves as director of exhibitions at the New York Public Library, a title she’s held since January, the Sun-Times reported. Before that, she helped develop exhibitions at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Bernard holds a doctorate from Yale University in African American studies and American studies, according to a statement. Bernard also earned a master’s degree in theater history and English literature from Indiana University-Bloomington and a bachelor’s degree in drama from the University of Manchester.

She starts July 1.