Lindauer Recruits CEO for the United States Marshals Museum
September 12, 2022 – Lindauer recently assisted in the recruitment of Ben Johnson as the new president and CEO of the United States Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, AR. The assignment was spearheaded by Libby Roberts, senior vice president, and Megan Abbett, senior consultant. “In conducting a national search, we were looking for a new CEO with a proven track record of achievement in museum operations,” said Doug Babb, USMM board chairperson. “And that is exactly what we are getting with Ben Johnson. Over his 20-year museum career, Ben has served in nearly every capacity within the museum industry. He understands every aspect of museum operations because he has performed nearly every position.”
“Ben brings us the expertise we need to complete the fabrication and installation of the museum experience, hire, and train our museum staff, and develop a business plan for an operating museum,” said Mr. Babb. “We expect that with a new CEO with a track record of success in museum operations, we can accelerate our fundraising and open to the public next year.”
Mr. Johnson comes to the United States Marshals Museum from the Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport, IA, where he was vice president of museum experience. Putnam is a 120,000-square-foot museum with about 120,000 visitors a year. Mr. Johnson was responsible for all aspects of museum operations and the guest experience. Prior to Putnam, he was executive director of The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, NY. At Curtiss, he grew annual visits and revenues over a successful five-year stint as the museum leader.
In his new role, Mr. Johnson will act as chief fundraiser and ambassador; raise community awareness of the United States Marshals Museum’s mission, goals, and accomplishments; and serve as a key spokesperson for the organization in its efforts to attract and retain donors, funders, and partners.
“I am both excited and humbled to lead the organization honoring the brave men and women who have served our nation since 1789,” said Mr. Johnson. “As sacred ground, Fort Smith is the ideal location for this world-class museum, and I look forward to sharing it with the world.”
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The United States Marshals Museum is dedicated to honoring the history of the U.S. Marshals —the oldest law enforcement agency in the country. The museum says is on the cusp of becoming one of the nation’s top experiential museums.
Serving Non-Profits
Lindauer serves higher and secondary education, hospitals, academic research centers, think tanks, research facilities, and foundations, as well as advocacy, public service, social justice and other mission-driven non-profits. The firm has led searches for the Boston YMCA, Center for Applied Special Technology, Healthy Minds Innovations/Center for Healthy Minds, the University of Texas at Austin and the Cockrell School of Engineering, among others. Deb Taft, chief executive officer, leads Lindauer with over 25 years of executive and senior-level experience across the non-profit sector, from education to healthcare/academic medicine to the youth service and voluntary sectors. Her expertise includes governance, strategic planning, fundraising, program and staff management, strategic marketing, analytics, and constituent engagement, as well as talent recruitment, retention, and development.
Ms. Roberts has extensive philanthropic experience at top organizations establishing relationships with diverse constituents, focusing on strategic planning, executive search, team building, and board development. Her signature clients at Lindauer since 2014 have included: Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Berea College, Brookings Institution, Cranbrook Educational Community, Emerson College, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mind Springs Health, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Museum of Arts and Design, and University of Technology Sydney.
Ms. Abbett brings more than 20 years of non-profit experience to Lindauer. Some of her notable clients at Lindauer since 2011 include The Aspen Institute, Auburn University, Franklin & Marshall College, Michigan State University, Bryn Mawr College, City of Hope, Dickinson College, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, University of Kansas Hospital, Marietta College, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, University of Illinois, and Intelligence Squared Debates.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
