August 12, 2011—Robert Griesmer of Norwalk, an experienced museum professional, has been selected by the Board of Trustees at The Children’s Museum as its new President and CEO. Mr. Griesmer will join the Museum on September 19, 2011.
Mr. Griesmer served as Chief Operating Officer for the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, a 147,000 sq. ft. $40 million dollar Aquarium, Museum and IMAX Theater complex. He is credited with having expanded its attendance from approximately 375,000 to nearly 600,000. He brought the exclusive New England appearance of Titanic Science: The Real Artifacts, the True Stories that garnered national attention to the Maritime Aquarium in 2002.
Mr. Griesmer is delighted to be joining The Children’s Museum. “This is an exciting transformational time for The Children’s Museum. I am excited and feel privileged to have been offered the opportunity to lead and work with a talented board and staff in charting the next stage of growth.”
He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. His professional background includes both domestic and international banking and project management experience.
“Bob Griesmer’s extensive experience in the museum field will allow him to reinvent our institution for the next 20 years,” said Dr. Rick Liftig, DDS, Chair of the Museum’s Board of
Trustees. “Bob has extensive planning and management experience which fits in beautifully with our plan to move to Elmwood. It’s wonderful when the right person appears.”
Don Peterson, two-time Interim Director of the Museum, agrees. “While we had a great selection of finalists with museum backgrounds, Bob is an experienced, successful museum pro,” Mr. Peterson stated. “He’s raised the money, worked with our legislative leaders in Connecticut and built exhibits—these are all the things we need from a leader as we move forward into the future with The Children’s Museum,” he continued.
Mr. Griesmer replaces Kevin B. Sullivan, who left the Museum in January to serve as Commissioner of Revenue for Governor Dannel P. Malloy. Mr. Peterson has served as Interim Director since that time.
“We appreciate the leadership that Don Peterson has brought to The Children’s Museum, not once but twice, in times of transition,” Dr. Liftig continued. “He has kept us on a steady path and been instrumental in helping the Board selection committee make this decision.
“We also greatly appreciate the grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Nonprofit Support Group for the consultant, Ann E. Thomas, a transition consultant affiliated with Third Sector New England, who facilitated this important executive search. ”
The Children’s Museum offers over 100 live animals, hands-on science exhibits, out-of-this-world digital planetarium shows, and programs for younger children and families. With nearly 200,000 visitors annually, it is one of Connecticut’s top museum attractions. The Children’s Museum is located at 950 Trout Brook Drive in West Hartford. More information is available at www.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org.
Roaring Brook Nature Center is located at 70 Gracey Road in Canton. The Nature Center offers year-round indoor and outdoor programs and activities, including over 5 miles of nature trails. Roaring Brook Nature Center is located at 70 Gracey Road in Canton. More information is available at www.roaringbrook.org
