National Women's History Museum Names Holly Hotchner President and Chief Executive Officer

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Women's History Museum (NWHM) today announced that its board of directors appointed Holly Hotchner as president and chief executive officer.

"We are fortunate to have someone of Holly's caliber and experience step up to lead the National Women's History Museum," said NWHM Board Chair Susan D. Whiting. "We are at a critical point in our growth. Holly brings an immense amount of museum expertise and is a strong communicator and fundraiser with deep leadership capabilities. Her unique skill set, and vision will integrate our current 'museum without walls' into a physical presence in time to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the ratification of the 19^th Amendment in 2020."

"Today, women are not only finding their voices, but their voices are also being heard. There could be no better time than now to build this museum," said Hotchner. "I am so excited to lead the National Women's History Museum and help create a very different museum experience. We have an opportunity to create a forward-thinking museum, and for it to be a vibrant center that creates a community where people contribute and discover stories. A place where we can put contemporary discussions into a historical context. The National Women's History Museum will reach well beyond its walls not only with its programs but also with its societal impact today and in the future."

Hotchner has extensive experience creating institutional advancement, and new and interesting experiences for museum visitors. She was the first museum director at the New-York Historical Society—considered one of America's oldest museums. She built a staff, raised millions of dollars for the care of the collections and exhibitions, and took the museum through the American Alliance of Museums' accreditation process. Her team established a premier education department, the Luce Study Center for the Study of American Material Culture, and made collections accessible through innovative interpretation, helping the New-York Historical Society take its place as a world-class museum of history and culture.

As director of the American Craft Museum—a niche museum in New York—Hotchner re-envisioned it as the Museum of Arts and Design, a new kind of interdisciplinary museum adhering to the values of craftsmanship and expanded the mission to include creativity across traditional boundaries. Through the process of translating that vision, she built a greatly expanded collection and institution. She led the museum through site and architect selection, and creating plans and budgets. She developed the board, enhanced staff and, under her leadership, the museum raised $120 million starting from a very small donor base.

Hotchner also led her own consulting firm working with nonprofits on strategic growth and held positions with The Princess Grace Foundation, Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Tate Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art. She holds an MA in Art History from The Institute of Fine Arts, a BA in Art History and Studio Art from Trinity College, completed Harvard University Business School's Non-Profit Education Program and attended the Museum Management Institute.

About the National Women's History Museum

Founded in 1996 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, the National Women's History Museum researches, collects and exhibits women's contributions to the nation's social, cultural, economic and political life. The Museum engages people through its "museum without walls," including its interactive website, online and physical exhibits, education programs, live presentations and social media to ensure these stories are told. Through these efforts and a future physical presence, the Museum serves as a guiding light to inspire people regardless of gender, class, race or culture to move into the future with respect, equal confidence, greater partnership and opportunity. The Museum envisions a place where visitors can expand their understanding of women's roles and leave with a complete view of American history. For additional information visit womenshistory.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

SOURCE National Women's History Museum

Related Links

http://www.womenshistory.org