New York, NY—American-Scandinavian Foundation President Edward P. Gallagher has announced plans to retire in May 2026, following 30 years at the helm of the organization and its cultural center Scandinavia House.
Elected President of ASF in November 1996, Mr. Gallagher has overseen the Foundation’s extensive program of fellowships, grants, professional training and publications throughout his tenure. Shortly after taking on leadership of the Foundation, he spearheaded the planning, funding and construction of Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America, ASF’s headquarters and the pre-eminent center for Nordic culture in the Americas, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2025.
“I have found it tremendously rewarding to lead this unique organization for the past three decades,” said Mr. Gallagher. “Together with our Board of Trustees and our dedicated, talented staff, we have accomplished a great deal and have taken significant steps to further the century-old mission of ASF—to build international understanding and cooperation, a purpose never more relevant and urgent than today.”
Dr. Terje Lande, Board Chair of the American-Scandinavian Foundation, commented on Mr. Gallagher’s retirement, “On behalf of the ASF Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Ed for his outstanding leadership and service to the Foundation over the last 30 years and congratulate him on all his accomplishments. The creation of Scandinavia House and its development into the flourishing cultural center it is today will remain a living legacy to his work of promoting increased cultural, educational and professional exchanges between the United States and five Nordic nations.”
Comprising galleries, a theater, a children’s center, a library, a café, a shop, conference facilities and offices for the 25-member staff, Scandinavia House opened in October 2000 to widespread acclaim, with Roberta Smith of The New York Times describing it as “a gift to the city.” It has since welcomed more than three million visitors; presented 75 exhibitions, over 2,500 films, concerts, lectures and arts programs; provided 2,000 programs for children and families; and offered language classes in Swedish, Danish and Norwegian.
Liv Ullmann, ASF Executive Trustee, Actress and Director, commented, “Thank you, Ed Gallagher, for sharing with so many through Scandinavia House—the safety of belonging and the unique importance of Art. You and your fellow trustees can take pride in building such a dynamic, thriving center for people, art and thought. Creativity, curiosity and fairness are so important in these challenging days.”
The ASF Fellowship and Grant Program also thrived during Mr. Gallagher’s presidency, with awards to scholars and artists totaling more than 30 million USD to nearly 3,000 recipients. During the same period, the ASF has made it possible for more than 4,000 young Scandinavians and Americans to engage in training and internship opportunities abroad. Mr. Gallagher also serves as Publisher of ASF’s popular magazine, Scandinavian Review.
The past three decades were marked by a number of memorable exhibitions, conferences, film premieres and concerts. A particular highlight was the year-long celebration of the ASF Centennial in 2011 which culminated with a large Gala attended by four Nordic Heads of State. Mr. Gallagher’s tenure as President of ASF was also marked by a number of challenges, including the events of 9/11 and their aftermath; several financial crises; and the Covid-19 pandemic, during which Scandinavia House was forced to close, but introduced an extensive array of new online programs.
Bård E. Bunaes, ASF Executive Trustee and former Board Chair, commented, “A visionary, Ed Gallagher successfully established and nurtured the relationships and cultural ties with our Nordic associates and friends. As a leader he instilled enthusiasm for what ASF represents and successfully met many challenges. He was a prodigious fundraiser and an excellent organizer. Thank you, Ed, for the journey and the memories. It has been an honor to serve alongside you.”
Upon his retirement Mr. Gallagher will assume the title President Emeritus of ASF. The ASF Board of Trustees has begun organizing the search for its next President.