No surprise here, the new CEO owns two Corvettes!
After 23 years, the current CEO and Executive Director of the National Corvette Museum, Wendell Strode, will be retiring, and the museum has just announced his successor. Dr. Sean Preston will assume his role as the President and CEO of the National Corvette Museum effective July 1.
Dr. Preston has a background in educational and non-profit leadership, which seem to be a perfect fit for what the National Corvette Museum stands for. This museum was established as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit foundation in 1994 with a mission of celebrating the invention of the Corvette and educating the public about Corvette. The museum displays more than 80 Corvettes, and it made big news in 2014 following a devastating sink hole that swallowed up eight historical Corvettes.
“I’m excited to look at the museum and the exhibits from an outsider’s lens and partner with the team to create new and exciting exhibits. I also think it’s important that we focus on preservation of the collection. We want to expand the membership base, welcome a new generation of Corvette enthusiasts and become one of the most attended and supported car museums in the world,” said Dr. Preston.
“When Wendell announced his retirement, we knew it was a huge drivers’ seat to fill,” said Lon Helton, NCM Board and Search Committee Chair. "Sean possesses the leadership skills, diverse qualities, relationships and unique skill sets necessary to collaborate with NCM Board of Directors to expand the mission and strategic objective of the NCM while being mindful of the unique legacy and spirit of the organization. His skills as an innovative leader are proven and we look forward to the NCM’s next chapter with Sean leading the way for the staff, management, volunteers and members. The icing on the cake: Sean is a car guy with a 1954 Corvette and 1972 Corvette in his collection!”
Sounds like he'll fit right in!
