O’Neill will also sit on the Commencement Parts Committee, which chooses speakers for Harvard’s graduation ceremonies.

O’Neill said her appointment will fill a gap that currently exists in Harvard’s official programming.

“[Summers] recognized when high-profile visitors came to Harvard that it does take quite a bit of time and attention to do these things thoughtfully and carefully,” she said, citing Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s December appearance at the Business School. “The political circumstances need to be taken care of.”

The marshal used to also oversee the International Students Office, but administrative duties were transferred to Harvard’s general counsel after Hunt’s retirement and will not return to the marshal’s office.

But O’Neill said she will will keep her current job with the Allston Initiative in addition to the part-time job of marshal.

“I plan to divide my time between both positions, which will not be that difficult because one is in the Holyoke Center and one is in Wadsworth House,” she said. The two buildings are across Mass. Ave. from each other, she said.

O’Neill said that Summers wants to focus on creating a more welcoming atmosphere at Harvard for international scholars.

“In terms of getting [international] scholars from across the University together, there’s a lot to be done,” she said.

—Staff writer May Habib can be reached at habib@fas.harvard.edu.