Expert Bio

Sayem Sharif is a finance and accounting executive with more than two decades of experience in financial management, budgeting, compliance, and institutional operations. He currently serves as Head of Finance at the Wilson Center, where he leads the Center’s financial strategy, stewardship, and operations in support of its public-policy mission.

Before joining the Wilson Center, Sayem spent 10 years as Finance Director at Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, part of the Smithsonian Institution, overseeing finance, budgeting, accounting, procurement, and administrative operations. Earlier in his career, he spent seven years as a Controller at a regional CPA firm, building extensive experience in financial reporting, internal controls, forecasting, audits, and regulatory compliance.

Originally from Bangladesh, Sayem is a first-generation immigrant and lives in Potomac, Maryland, with his wife and two daughters. Outside of work, he is a devoted Washington Commanders fan and a longtime supporter of Manchester United.