Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum Welcomes New Trustees

The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum (MHCM) welcomed nine new trustees during its 2019 Annual Meeting, with each new trustee serving a three-year term.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome a strong cohort of new trustees to our board at this important time for the organization,” said Lara Litchfield-Kimber, executive director. “With eyes toward a major museum expansion project that will advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics—STEM education—throughout our region, each new trustee has been hand-picked for the unique skills, experience and passion he or she brings to our planning efforts.”

Daniel Arnoff is vice president of Arnoff Moving & Storage, a five-generation family business headquartered in Poughkeepsie, and serves as chair of MHCM’s Finance Committee.

Jennifer Breslin is founder and executive director of Futuristas, an international organization dedicated to advancing science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) learning, along with building a science ecosystem focused on access, inclusivity and social responsibility. Breslin is chair of MHCM’s new Government Relations Committee.

Wesley Dixon is secretary to the board and special assistant to the president at Vassar College. He has worked in global heath projects and helps lead Vassar College’s local community impact initiatives.

Daniel Freedman, Ph.D., is dean of the School of Science and Engineering at State University of New York at New Paltz, where he also is director of the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center.

Pamela Edington, Ph.D., is president of Dutchess Community College, where she developed collaborative community programs advancing STEM education, service learning and student leadership.

Amy Greiner is vice president of commercial lending at Tompkins Mahopac Bank (TMB), including regional business development. Greiner helped establish an advanced manufacturing scholarship program and forwarded TMB’s role as a lead Partner in Planning for MHCM’s pre-campaign initiatives.

Johnnieanne Hansen is director of workforce development and apprenticeship coordinator at the Council of Industry, including a focus on regional manufacturing and technical companies actively investing in workforce training and development.

Kenji Larsen is chief technology officer at Alpha Reactor Corporation and has been involved in MHCM activities for the past year 18 months, including visioning sessions around the museum’s planned expansion and work for the Poughkeepsie Mini Maker Faire.

Sol Nieves is sales executive for Marriott International. She recently relocated to the Hudson Valley from her native Puerto Rico to help drive strategic community investment and new property development for Marriott International.

The MHCM also recognized Keith Kurman, outgoing board president, for his seven years of service to the organization.

“Serving on the Board of Trustees for the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum has been the most rewarding volunteer work I have done,” said Kurman. “Together with executive director, Lara Litchfield-Kimber, we have taken this organization to new heights. As MHCM prepares for a major expansion, I invite everyone to keep a close eye on where the museum goes next.”

Named Hudson Valley Magazine’s “2017 Best Museum” and Hudson Valley’s “2018 and 2017 Favorite Kid-Friendly Museum,” the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is the ideal destination for families with young children. With exhibits that focus on early literacy, art, STEM, and the local community, the museum provides an educationally rich environment through which children have the opportunity to develop foundational skills, to engage in purposeful play, and to develop interpersonal connections.

The Museum is located in the heart of the historic waterfront in Poughkeepsie, nestled between two city parks, just steps away from the Poughkeepsie Metro-North Train Station and fabulous restaurants. The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on select Monday holidays. Admission is $10.00 per person. Children under 1 year are free. Visit mhcm.org or call (845) 471-0589 for more information.

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