O’Donnell leaving Providence Children’s Museum

PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM EXECUTIVE Director JANICE O'Donnell is stepping down Friday to pursue other projects. / COURTESY PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM EXECUTIVE Director JANICE O'Donnell is stepping down Friday to pursue other projects. / COURTESY PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

PROVIDENCE – After 29 years, Providence Children’s Museum Executive Director Janice O’Donnell is leaving her post Friday to pursue other projects, according to a press release from the museum released Tuesday.
O’Donnell oversaw the successful completion of a $3 million capital campaign for the museum’s expansion and relocation to Providence’s Jewelry District in 1997, the press release said.
The museum also underwent major building restoration and exhibit expansion in 2010 under O’Donnell’s direction.
Recently, the 2014 Rhode Island Foundation Initiative for Nonprofit Excellence Best Practice Award recognized the museum for outstanding nonprofit leadership.
The museum has more than 160,000 visitors a year, an operating budget of $2 million and 40 staff members.
Museum Director of Communications Megan Fischer, who will serve as interim director, praised the departing nonprofit leader.
“The museum community is deeply grateful to Janice O’Donnell for her 35 years of visionary leadership, unwavering passion and tireless commitment to children and families,” Fischer said in a statement. “We have learned an extraordinary amount from her and will resolutely serve the museum’s mission to inspire learning through play to continue her legacy.”
A Board of Directors committee will conduct a search to find a new president/chief operating officer to lead the museum. O’Donnell will continue to work on a consulting basis with the museum’s Families Together program.
“It has truly been a privilege to steer the ship that is the Children’s Museum for all these years,” O’Donnell said. “I feel so fortunate that I have been able to do what I love and work toward making the world a better place for children and families. I’m looking forward to next ventures – which will certainly focus on kids’ free choice learning and play, and expand on efforts already underway in our community.”

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