New Director of Development Joins the Springfield Museums
SPRINGFIELD, MA—The Springfield Museums is pleased to announce that Emilie Czupryna of Longmeadow, MA, has joined our staff as Director of Development.
Czupryna arrives at the Museums ready to build a strong development team as the Museums focus on their new strategic plan which includes the objective of long-term fiscal sustainability.
“Emilie is poised to help the Museums in so many ways,” said Kay Simpson, President and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “We are constructing a dynamic road map for our future, and institutional advancement is an essential part of our success. We have confidence that Emilie will lead a strong team in our Development Office and build the scaffolding we need to keep our Museums vibrant and ready to meet our community’s needs.”
Czupryna worked her way quickly up the ladder at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She began her career as the Assistant Director of External Affairs for Communication & Events. She continued her employment with the University where she was promoted to Associate Director of College Events. In December 2017, Emilie was selected for the position of Assistant Director of Development and in 2018 was promoted to Associate Director of Development.
“I am thrilled to be working with such a wonderful team here at the Springfield Museums,” Czupryna said. “I look forward to enhancing the vision and strategic goals of the Museums through individual philanthropic support and corporate partnerships.”
The Springfield Museums has launched their Dynamic Road Map, which is a three-year plan of action that encompasses financial sustainability, enhancing collaborations within and outside the Museums, commitment to accessibility for all, and integration of a master operational plan that will help ensure ongoing relevancy as a museum not only of the past, but also of the present and future; building and grounds maintenance; and fiscal sustainability.
Working together with a consulting team, the Museums conducted focus groups, stakeholder meetings, and market analyses to arrive at the three-year action plan.
“We are grateful for the input by so many people who care about the impact our Museums have on children, families, and adults of all backgrounds,” Simpson said. “As we move forward, we prioritize our dedication to Universal Participation, anti-racism, equity, inclusion, and diversity with all projects. We seek dialog with our visitors, community partners, and stakeholders to ensure we are meeting their needs.”
In addition to approving a new vision and mission statement, as well as new guiding principles, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the strategic plan.
“We want our visitors to feel empowered to be independent learners with easy access to information,” said Melinda Phelps, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We have confidence that this plan and our remarkable Springfield Museums staff under Kay’s leadership will ensure the Museums’ relevance for another 160 years!”
To learn more about the Springfield Museums’ mission and vision and governance, please see https://springfieldmuseums.org/about/mission-and-governance/
About The Springfield Museums
THE SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS are located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in the heart of downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated consortium of museums includes the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and the Amazing World of Dr. SeussMuseum, the first and only museum dedicated to the beloved children’s book author and Springfield native.