The Wisconsin Maritime Museum Announces Appointment of New Executive Director: Cathy Green, Named After National Search

MANITOWOC, Wis. – The Wisconsin Maritime Museum, the largest maritime museum on the Great Lakes, announced today that the Board of Trustees elected Cathy Green in a unanimous vote to become the museum’s Executive Director effective July 1, 2019. Cathy will step into this leadership role at the museum after serving as its Deputy Director and Chief Curator throughout 2018 and filling the Interim Executive Director position for the past six months.

The timing coincides with the museum celebrating its 50th anniversary. “After a thorough and deliberate national search process, the Board of Trustees is delighted that Cathy will lead our treasured museum into its next 50 years,” said Rear Admiral Jerry Clusen, USN (Ret.), President of the Board of Trustees. “Cathy is uniquely qualified to lead the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. She possesses the vision, leadership skills, and content knowledge needed to lead the museum through the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

As Executive Director, Ms. Green will work with the Board to Trustees to develop a strategic vision for the museum’s next chapter and will assume the responsibility for articulating the museum’s mission, vision and values to all constituencies. Leading a vibrant staff of museum professionals and dedicated volunteers, she will continue to advance the strategies needed to build the Wisconsin Maritime Museum into an institution that inspires and enhances the community, serves as a focal point for heritage tourism, and expects itself to be counted among America’s most innovative maritime museums.

Ms. Green brings over 20 years of experience in the fields of Great Lakes maritime history and archaeology, coupled with leadership roles in experiential learning programs, cultural resource management, institutional development, and grant writing and management. She came to the museum from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration where she worked for the National Marine Sanctuary Program, ultimately serving as the Federal Program Officer for the Great Lakes region of NOAA’s Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program.

Ms. Green’s experience in Wisconsin maritime history was forged as a maritime archaeologist in the Office of the State Archaeologist. Her belief in the power of experiential education programs was established as an instructor of maritime history and literature of the sea on Long Island University’s semester at sea program. She holds a B.A. in History from Indiana University and an M.A. in Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology from East Carolina University. Additionally, her recent work as the Administrator for the Council of American Maritime Museums reinforces the Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s connection to a dynamic national group of maritime organizations working to protect and promote the country’s rich maritime heritage.

“I am excited about the opportunity to play an essential role in the continued success of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum,” said Cathy Green. “I welcome the challenge of working with the staff, the Board of Trustees, and the broader community to generate a foundation of infrastructure and partnerships that will accelerate the museum’s growth and ensure its sustainability. More than anything else, I am excited to share the stories of Great Lakes maritime history with visitors to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.”

Wisconsin Maritime Museum Background
Located in Manitowoc along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is a great place to learn, play and explore the rich maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum offers visitors a unique experience learning about schooners, sailors, shipbuilders and submariners. Its interactive exhibits offer many opportunities for family fun. Founded in 1969, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum has grown into one of the largest maritime museums in the Midwest. In addition to commemorating the maritime heritage of the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area and the submarines built in the area during World War II, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is a leader in preserving the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.

For more information, visit www.wisconsinmaritime.org or call 920-684-0218.
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