President & CEO, African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) in association with the Smithsonian Institution (Philadelphia, PA), 1997 to 2001
{Formerly the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum}
Responsible for launching the 36-month “renaissance and millennium” campaigns to revitalize the Museum after more than a half decade of slipping admissions, revenue, grants, sponsorships, and institutional profile. In 2000, developed a five-year plan, along with the newly restructured Board of Directors, that tackled the issue of expanding or moving the facility. Additional tasks included expanding the collections, implementing innovative exhibitions and interpretative programming, major fundraising from individuals and corporations as well as maximizing the tourism opportunities in the City of Philadelphia. The position required the reorganization of all aspects of the Museum’s operations, including collections, personnel, exhibitions, finance, development and public relations. Administration of an institutional budget of $1.4 million including baseline funding from the City of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Schools (Board of Education). Successful navigation of the Museum into the Smithsonian Affiliates program making it the first in the City of Philadelphia
Accomplishments:
Developed a thirty-six month stabilization strategic plan that included the “Renaissance Campaign” followed by the “Millennium Campaign”
- Developed a five-year plan (2000 to 2005) building on the data from the first plan Completion of a “Site & Capacity” Feasibility Study on the viability of the museum’s site
- Developed a public relations and marketing plan to revitalize the institutional image
- Renewed the exhibition schedule with an emphasis on thematic exhibitions
- Instituted staff training to foster museum standards for all areas of museum’s operations
- Revised the institutional bylaws
- Fostered a profile for collaborations with other city and regional institutions
- Completed a $250,000 renovation and secured an additional $200,000 from the City of Philadelphia
- Formalized a lease agreement with City of Philadelphia
- Completed reorganization of all aspects of the Museum’s operations