Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Megan Simpson, 317.234.8146, [email protected]

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites President and CEO Cathy Ferree is excited to announce the arrival of four new staff members – two of whom will join the leadership team. Altogether, the group offers more than 90 years of experience, along with a shared vision for the future of the institution.

“The ideas, experience and passion this team brings to the museum system will help make the museum and historic sites a top destination,” said Ferree. “I’m confident that together, we’ll create an experience that will keep visitors coming back again and again.”

Amy Ahlersmeyer joins the ISMHS leadership team as Chief Marketing Officer. Amy previously served as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Conner Prairie. Amy brings more than 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations to the ISMHS and has worked with clients ranging from non-profits to global Fortune 500 companies. She also serves on several boards, including the IUPUI School of Physical Education and Tourism Management Advisory Council. Amy graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in Journalism and Political Science. She is the recipient of several distinguished honors, including the Ball State University Benny Award for outstanding service to the university and was named Communicator of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators (Indy Chapter).

Kate Harvey joins the ISMHS leadership team as the Chief Development Officer. Kate came from Conner Prairie, where she served as Director of Individual Giving. In that role, she led the annual fund and stewardship program, in addition to raising major gifts for capital projects. Prior to that, Kate worked at Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington, where she served as Associate Director of Development and obtained a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in nonprofit management. Kate also serves as Fundraising Chair with College Mentors, EtC.

Julie A. Schaefer joins the ISMHS as the Vice President of Marketing and Communication. She brings more than 20 years of marketing experience to the job. She worked previously at Conner Prairie as Director of Marketing for nearly a decade, and prior to that at Herron School of Art & Design as Director of Communications for 13 years. Julie graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a B.A. in English and Communications. Julie is also involved with the Indiana Parkinson Foundation’s “Choose to Move” organization.

Cathy Donnelly joins the ISMHS as an exhibit developer. Cathy has nearly 30 years of exhibition and program development expertise. She previously worked at Conner Prairie, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Winterthur Museum & Garden. She holds a B.A. in History and Journalism and an M.A. in History and Museum Studies from Indiana University, Bloomington. Cathy was chosen as one of the first Creative Renewal Arts Fellows by the Arts Council of Indianapolis in 1999. Cathy also serves on the board for the Boulevard Place Food Pantry.

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The Indiana State Museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.