Montshire Museum Announces New Executive Director
The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont, is pleased to announce the selection of Marcos Stafne, Ph.D., as its new executive director. Stafne will fill the vacancy created by retiring executive director David Goudy, beginning April 15.
“The Board of Trustees is thrilled to welcome Marcos to the Montshire,” said Cinny Bensen, chair of the board of trustees. “He is exceedingly dedicated to the informal learning that happens in museums, and is passionate about science. Marcos will bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to the Montshire, and build upon the Museum's strengths.”
Upon the announcement of David Goudy's retirement, the board of trustees appointed a search committee led by the board Vice Chair Philip McCaull and engaged Kittleman & Associates of Chicago to conduct a national search.
Stafne comes to the Montshire with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of museums. He currently serves as Vice President of Programs and Visitor Experience at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, where he oversees education, collections, visitor services, and the planning and implementation of traveling and new exhibitions.
He has served as the Director of Education & Visitor Experience for the Rubin Museum of Art and the Director of Public Programs & Traveling Exhibitions at the New York Hall of Science.
He has published in the Journal of Museums and Social Issues, the Museum Education Journal, and contributes to a science blog for the Huffington Post. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and a M.A. in Theatre from Hunter College where he studied museum theatre for science and historical education.
“Cultivating and maintaining a creative community is essential for the sustainability of our future,” comments Stafne. “The Montshire has a nationally noted reputation for providing opportunities for all audiences to flex their curiosity, experience the wonder of science, and feel encouraged to try out new ideas. I am excited to guide the next phase of the Montshire’s future as we enhance and expand indoor and outdoor experiences on over 100 acres along the beautiful Connecticut River. The warmth and friendliness of the Upper Valley is palpable, and I can’t wait to get to know the community in a deeper way—especially as we grow our work with schools in New Hampshire and Vermont.”