Nationwide Search For Innovative And Visionary Leader Begins

Help Wanted: Aviation insider needed to lead one of the counry's most innovative aviation museums. Must be experienced, dynamic and a visionary. Must have big feet -- candidate will be filling the shoes of retiring President and CEO Ken Curtis.

An energetic leader with successful management experience and a background in the aerospace field will have an opportunity to continue on the path of innovative change and financial stability started by Curtis.

Curtis, who had long been an active member of the Museum's board of directors before taking on the role as the Museum's first President and CEO in October 2003, implemented numerous changes to set the Museum on a more stable fiduciary course. Curtis' successor will require expertise in financial management, the ability to work with a non-profit board of directors, and the skills to foster cooperation among various stakeholders.

With a budget of over $2 million, a staff of 40, an active volunteer force of 275, a separate fundraising foundation and a nearby restoration facility located at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, Ca., the President/CEO is charged with leadership in realizing the vision of maintaining the Museum's status as the premier air and space museum in the southwestern United States and providing an inspiring educational experience to the public.

A successful record of fund-raising for a non-profit organization is critical. In this regard, the successful candidate will supervise the efforts of the executive director of the Foundation. As the chief spokesperson for this AAM-accredited museum, the president/CEO should hold, or be prepared to gain, standing in the larger museum community.

FMI: www.aerospacemuseum.org