Marcos Stafne
Executive Director
GallopNYC
Statement of Interest:
NYCMER is an incredibly valuable tool for emerging and professional museum educators. I have spent my career supporting the professional development of museum educators, and now as I have transitioned to an adjacent nonprofit leadership role. Though I oversee a city-wide program for therapeutic horsemanship for New Yorkers with Disabilities, and manage two facilities (including a 5-acre park in Howard Beach, Queens), I believe that my nonprofit work in leadership and governance can be beneficial to NYCMER.
Goals for NYCMER:
As someone who has overseen large education programs for multiple museums, zoos, and an aquarium, as well as my current responsibilities to oversee two urban barns in NYC, I would hope to help guide the archival and research areas for NYCMER as well as strengthen areas of governance. As a seasoned Executive Director, I feel that my work with bylaws and board development could greatly help NYCMER.
Professional Experience:
I currently serve as the Executive Director for GallopNYC, a nonprofit that utilizes therapeutic horsemanship to help New Yorkers with disabilities and differences grow and thrive. Prior to this experience I served as the Director of Learning Experiences for the Wildlife Conservation Society, overseeing educational programming for families, schools, and adults in NYC's four zoos and aquarium. I was the Executive Director at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont. I have served as the VP of Programs for the Brooklyn Children's Museum, the Director of Education for the Rubin Museum of Art, and the Director of Public Programs for the New York Hall of Science.