Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has recently added two accomplished professionals to its leadership team. Joseph Pinnell has been hired as the chief people officer while Judy Palermo has assumed the role of chief marketing officer.

Pinnell started in June and oversees employee engagement and communication, strategic human resource management and organizational culture initiatives for the museum system. With 22 years of experience, including several leadership positions, he previously served as deputy chief and executive director of workforce engagement for the state of Indiana’s Office of Equity Inclusion and Opportunity and most recently diversity program specialist for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. After completing his bachelor of science degree at the University of Florida, Pinnell earned a strategic human resources management (SHRM) accreditation from Villanova University as well as certifications from Cornell University and Indiana University. He volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and serves on the diversity, inclusion and belonging task force for Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.

“Joseph’s incredible hospitality experience as well as the extensive focus on people, systems and understanding in his career make him a valuable asset to the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites system,” said Cathy Ferree, president and CEO of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.

Palermo started in July and is responsible for marketing, brand and communication strategies for the museum system. She brings 30 years of experience to her new role, including a decade in the attractions industry. She previously served as the director of public relations at the Indianapolis Zoo and most recently as the chief communications officer at American Humane. Additionally, she spent nearly two decades leading newsrooms across the country, winning numerous awards including 11 Emmys. She has served on the marketing board for Downtown Indianapolis Inc. as well as the ethics committee and applied public relations (APR) chair for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Hoosier Chapter. With a bachelor of arts degree from Bowling Green State University, Palermo earned an APR accreditation through PRSA as well as certifications from the Poynter Institute for Media Studies and the Disney Institute Excellence in Leadership Program.

“Judy’s deep breadth of experience in both the attractions and media businesses as well as her community understanding and connections mean she is able to put her valuable experience to work right away on behalf of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites system,” said Ferree.

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About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a museum system with 12 locations across the state, offering visitors a chance to engage with Indiana’s past and present and see how their actions help shape the future. At each location, visitors are invited to explore big questions and create lasting experiences that will resonate long after each visit ends. Whether interested in art or architecture, history or science, there’s something for everyone and every interest. The Indianapolis museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The historic sites are located across the state, stretching from Rome City in northeastern Indiana to Evansville in the southwest. Learn more at IndianaMuseum.org.