Gary Blankemeyer is new Chief Financial Officer; Cynthia Moreno promoted to Director of Learning & Engagement
The Mint Museum has hired its first-ever Chief Financial Officer, and has promoted another staffer to become its new Director of Learning & Engagement. Gary Blankemeyer, who was most recently the Senior Vice President, Finance for the nonprofit Child Care Resources Inc., joins the Mint effective today, June 29, as the first person to hold the title of CFO. Cynthia Moreno, formerly Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning at the Mint for the past three years, is now Director of Learning & Engagement. She replaces Cheryl Palmer, who retired last year after more than 35 years leading the Mint’s educational programs.
“We are excited to welcome Gary on board as our museum’s first Chief Financial Officer, a role we have strengthened in recognition of our continued emphasis on growth and future sustainability,” said Dr. Kathleen V. Jameson, President & CEO of the Mint. “His depth of experience will serve us well as we continue building a solid foundation to serve the community for many decades to come.”
Blankemeyer has over 20 years of accounting and finance experience. Prior to joining Child Care Resources, where he held responsibility for all financial activity, he spent 20 years at Bosch Rexroth Corp. in various senior financial and general management positions where he developed overall strategic, sales, and operational plans for various divisions of the manufacturing giant.
“The Mint Museum is such a significant member of our community, and is world-renowned in art and design. It truly is a great opportunity to be its CFO,” said Blankemeyer. “I am honored to join the Mint’s leadership and am really looking forward to this new, exciting chapter of my career.”
For the first time, the Mint worked with Charlotte-based executive search firm Search Solution Group to recruit and hire Blankemeyer. “Our contact Ashlyn Verot at Search Solution Group was a strong partner for this search process,” said Toni Freeman, the Mint’s Chief Operating Officer who led the CFO search. “The team used their extensive business network to identify and assess appropriate candidates for this position.” Added Blankemeyer: “I’m impressed with SSG’s growth, reputation in the community, and people.”
“The team at Search Solution Group is elated to work with a nonprofit organization as distinguished as The Mint Museum,” said Jeremy Gnozzo, founder and CEO. “It is a thrill to see everyone’s efforts result in the connection of a great candidate to a great institution. We look forward to growing our relationship with The Mint Museum, as well as their new CFO.”
New Learning & Engagement Director
Prior to joining the Mint in 2012, Moreno spent 18 years as Director of Education at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, which is Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum. “During our years as co-workers, I had the pleasure of working with Cynthia on multiple exhibitions and gallery interpretation projects,” said Scott Erbes, chief curator for the Speed Museum. “Throughout, Cynthia and her team always found thoughtful, clever ways of engaging audiences of all ages. The Mint and its visitors will enjoy the energy and excitement Cynthia will bring to the galleries!”
Moreno’s promotion followed an extensive search process. “Cynthia emerged as the frontrunner among a strong pool of candidates. Her expertise, standing in the field, stakeholder engagement, and commitment to her team and the Mint will serve as a strong foundation for our next chapter,” said Jameson.
Other national leaders in the museum education field praised Moreno’s selection for the new role. “Cynthia will help raise the local, regional, and national profile of the Mint,” said Marianna Adams, president of Audience Focus, a museum visitor studies and research firm. Added Gwendolyn Kelly, who is part of the Leadership Louisville Connectors project: “The Mint and Charlotte families have received a gem of a gift in Cynthia Moreno.”
Moreno said she is looking forward to her new role. “I’m thrilled to lead the Mint’s Learning & Engagement team during this dynamic time in the museum’s development,” she said. “The Mint Museum is a truly amazing place. I’m excited have this rich opportunity to work with its world-class art collection, passionate volunteers, and team of creative colleagues.”