“To have the opportunity to help transform the museum into a showcase of history and innovation, and positively contribute to the economic development of the surrounding community is exceedingly gratifying, and I couldn’t be more honored with the opportunity,” Hoellen says.
Beyond her experience at the National Aquarium, Hoellen has a background in transportation having worked at the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences as well as at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Additionally, she has devoted much of her career to working with communities throughout the U.S. on becoming economically and environmentally healthy while a senior executive at The Conservation Fund.
“Kris brings the ideal background we were seeking as we prepare for growth and a new era at the B&O Museum”, says Francis Smyth, chairman of the B&O Museum board of directors. “She has expertise in destination management, a background in transportation and community economic development, and most importantly, an entrepreneurial mindset to lead our efforts to transform west Baltimore and to guide us forward towards the 200th anniversary of American Railroading.”
Hoellen replaces Courtney Wilson, executive director of the museum for the past 20 years, who announced his departure earlier this year. “We are so fortunate to find such a capable leader in Kris to assume the mantle from Courtney,” Smyth adds. “With time for transition between the two, the museum is postured to launch next steps towards our long-term growth plans which begin with the construction of the Baltimore City Mounted Police Unit stables this summer.”
Hoellen was identified as a candidate for the position by the executive search firm Durakis Executive Search.
“To have the opportunity to help transform the museum into a showcase of history and innovation”
Is it not that already? If not, where does it fall short?
“our long-term growth plans which begin with the construction of the Baltimore City Mounted Police Unit stables”
Huh? Maybe there’s a connection to railroads here somewhere, but this statement begs for clarification.
I hope that beyond the buzzphrases, the new director has a deep seated appreciaton for history. Entrepreneurial skills will help, as long as they don’t lead to dumbing down the exhibits or excessively commercializing them.
Given recent history of Indiana Transportation Museum, I would hope the B&O Museum owns their own land, and if not, make it a priority to do so, above all else.
It’s kind of like if the Art Institute of Chicago hired a director with no discernible experience in anything to do with art, or history.
On-line survey about Amazon Prime Day. How many people know about AMAZON SMILE?
A politically correct garbage hire.
Knows fish and highways, and with a conservation and environmental background suggests that live steam engines will be a no-no.
The BOD clown seems to forget they are a RR museum, all he can talk about is police horsey stables, which are being built on the premises to enhance security, maybe if the PD has a spare nag or two, the museum can duplicate the earliest runs on the B&O? Or even a Tom Thumb race?