MODESTO CHilDrEN’S MUSEUM AppOiNTS CHElSiE WEBSTEr AS CEO AND rEACHES MAJOr FUNDrAiSiNG MilESTONE

MODESTO, CA (April 6, 2023) Chelsie Webster has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Modesto Children’s Museum. Webster is an accomplished museum leader with demonstrated success in education and programming. The appointment comes at the conclusion of a nationwide search led by Museum Board President Katie Barber, working with Consulting Director Carol E. Scott and a Board subcommittee.

“Chelsie’s leadership skills and proven success in creating innovative programming and building community support will be an asset to the organization and to our community. She has the right combination of experience, skills and passion for this project that will lead the museum to a successful opening this year,” says Barber.

For eight years, Webster held leadership positions at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio, where she served as Director of Education Strategic Initiatives and Director of Education Programs. She led a team of over 60 people in the museum’s programming department, spearheading numerous unique education initiatives. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and went on to receive her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education.

“I have spent many years in the museum world and have never come across a more inspiring story than that of Modesto Children's Museum. I was struck by the uniquely grassroots effort - MoChiMu has been created by its community for its community to ensure a legacy of inspiration, creativity and curiosity for generations to come.” shares Webster. “To join with the people of Modesto and lead this larger-than-life vision to fruition is a true honor. I could not be more excited to get started.”

In addition to her strong background in education and programming, Webster spent the past 2 and a half years as the Social Media Marketing Senior Strategist for global brand, Abercrombie & Fitch, Co. Her modern marketing and branding skills will bring immense benefit to the museum, and Modesto at large, helping to put the Modesto Children’s Museum on the map as one of the premier early childhood institutions in the state.

"Museums are more than physical spaces, they are largerthan-life ideals that inspire learners of all ages to be creative with and curious about the world around them. What drew me to MoChiMu was the community movement and grass roots commitment to the project - it is awe inspiring and a story for the ages. I could not be more excited to bring my years of learning, marketing & museum expertise to the Modesto Children's Museum and ensure that this community jewel is inspiring generations to come."

Webster’s arrival in Modesto comes as the museum reaches a major fundraising milestone. The “Launch The Adventure” capital campaign has reached its public goal of raising $1.5 million dollars. To date, the Modesto Children’s Museum has raised over $9 million dollars to fund the creation of a new institution vital to early childhood education in the Central Valley.

Over 500 constituents have contributed to the capital campaign, with 92 individuals and/or organizations becoming Founding Donors with gifts of at least $25,000.

While this initial goal has been met, the museum emphasizes that it will continue fundraising to provide ongoing programming, high-quality resources, innovative experiences, and refreshed exhibits for the community.

The Modesto Children’s Museum is slated to open during the summer of 2023. Building construction is underway, exhibits are being fabricated and are scheduled for installation in the coming months. Please donate today.

April 6th 2023 5:00pm-6:30pm Location TBD

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