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CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN ANNOUNCES MARTHA NEIGHBORS AS DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

New York, NY – January 3, 2017 – The Children’s Museum of Manhattan today announced it has engaged Martha Neighbors as its Director of Development. She will play an integral role in advancing the mission of the Children’s Museum by developing donor strategies and increasing fundraising opportunities.

“We are delighted to welcome Martha to the Museum,” said Andrew Ackerman, executive director of the Children’s Museum. “The Museum is entering an exciting period of growth. Martha’s 20 years’ experience in fundraising combined with her rich background in the arts and museum sciences will ensure we are able to fulfill our mission and meet our city-wide goals.”

“I’m inspired by the Children’s Museum’s efforts to reach all New Yorkers with exhibitions and programs on the arts, sciences, and culture, noted Neighbors. I’m proud to join this vibrant member of our city’s cultural landscape and look forward to working with the Board of Directors, museum members, and funders.”

Neighbors most recently served as Director of Development at New York’s Big Apple Circus, which entered Chapter 11 receivership in November 2016. The Circus performed for more than 300,000 people annually and reached an additional 300,000 through Clown Care, Circus of the Senses, Circus Embraces Autism, Circus After School and other programs. Neighbors was responsible for raising $5 million in annual giving from dedicated individuals and Big Apple Circus members, private foundations, corporations, and government contracts.

Prior to her work with Big Apple Circus, Neighbors served as Executive Director at Doug Varone and Dancers. She has also had positions of responsibility with Theater Communications Group, Risa Jaroslow & Dancers, the American Federation of the Arts and the J. Paul Getty Trust.

Neighbors holds a certificate Arts Administration from New York University, an MA in art history and museum studies from the University of Southern California and a BA from Hunter College. She also attended Summerhill School, A.S. Neill’s pioneering alternative school in England where she is now a trustee.

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About Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan – a citywide resource for children, families and educators – creates experiences at the intersection of the arts, sciences and humanities to help children thrive at home, at school and in the community. Based on West 83rd Street, the Museum creates hands-on learning environments, programs, and curricula built on evidence-based early research and the museum sciences. In addition to its commitment to delight and educate visitors, the Museum offers resources and strategies for parents, caregivers and educators to help children become lifelong learners. Thousands more New Yorkers also benefit from the Museum’s offerings through its outreach programs at schools, Head Start centers, shelters, libraries and hospitals. www.cmom.org