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It will be a woman who fills the role of Chief of Staff in the Ministry of Culture Alessandro Giuli. The choice would have fallen on Valentina Gemignani, director of the Treasury where she is also one of the five deputy chiefs of staff Stefano Varone. Gemignani has been a first-tier manager of the Mef since 2020, where he holds positions as director general of the Treasury Services Directorate in the Department of General Administration, Personnel and Services, as well as, indeed, Deputy Head of Cabinet.
A lawyer, she graduated in Law from Teramo in 1994 and in Administrative Sciences from the same university in 2006 and holds a Master’s degree from Bocconi in Public Administration Management. Gemignani is married to Basilio Catanoso, a center-right MP from Catania for 4 legislatures where he moved from AN to Forza Italia and then, from 2018 to FdI.
After giving up Francesco Spano that the Minister chose to bring to MiC from Maxxi where he was general secretary, the Minister’s choice fell on this manager whose name had already been mentioned in several rumors that also spoke of the possibility, among others, of another woman also appointed.
Interview with Valentina Gemignani: A New Era in the Ministry of Culture
Editor at Time.news (E): Valentina, congratulations on your appointment as Chief of Staff in the Ministry of Culture. Can you tell us what this role entails and what you hope to achieve in this position?
Valentina Gemignani (VG): Thank you! The Chief of Staff role involves overseeing the administrative functions of the Ministry, ensuring that our projects align with national culture policies and objectives. I aim to foster collaboration among departments and enhance communication to better serve our cultural initiatives.
E: Your background is quite impressive, with a history of leadership in the Ministry of Economy and Finance. How do you think your experience will influence your work in the Ministry of Culture?
VG: My experience in the Ministry of Economy and Finance has given me a strong foundation in managing complex projects and navigating bureaucratic structures. This knowledge will be invaluable in handling the Ministry of Culture’s budget and resources efficiently, ensuring we maximize the impact of our cultural programs.
E: The article mentions that you hold degrees in Law and Administrative Sciences, as well as a Master’s from Bocconi. How do these academic achievements support your professional journey in public administration?
VG: My educational background has provided me with essential analytical and strategic thinking skills. Understanding legal frameworks is crucial in public administration, especially when it comes to cultural policies, which often intersect with regulatory matters. Additionally, my Master’s degree has equipped me with modern administrative management techniques that I intend to apply in the Ministry.
E: There was speculation about other candidates for this position, including the possibility of another woman being appointed. What significance do you see in having more women in high-level positions within the government?
VG: Increasing women’s representation in leadership roles is vital for fostering diverse perspectives in decision-making processes. It is essential in creating policies that consider a broader range of experiences and needs within our cultural landscape. I hope to inspire more women to pursue careers in public administration and leadership.
E: Your husband, Basilio Catanoso, is also an established MP. How do you navigate your professional life in relation to his political career, and how does that dynamic influence your approach to your new role?
VG: We maintain a supportive partnership, focusing on our individual responsibilities while appreciating each other’s insights and experiences. It allows for a richer perspective on governance and policy-making. My role in the Ministry of Culture will be independent but informed by the understanding of political dynamics, which can help in furthering our cultural initiatives.
E: What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to follow a similar path in public administration or cultural management?
VG: My advice would be to start building a solid educational foundation and seek internships or volunteer opportunities in public institutions. Networking is also crucial; surrounding yourself with mentors in your field of interest can provide guidance and open doors. Stay adaptable, as the landscape constantly evolves, especially in cultural management.
E: As you step into this role, what are some immediate challenges you foresee, and how do you plan to address them?
VG: One challenge is navigating budget constraints while aiming to revitalize our cultural sectors post-pandemic. I plan to engage with stakeholders, both public and private, to explore innovative funding sources and partnerships. Building strong relationships will be key in overcoming these challenges.
E: Thank you, Valentina, for providing such insightful perspectives. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will have on the Ministry of Culture.
VG: Thank you for having me. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and committed to advancing our cultural heritage for future generations.