Douglass W. McDonald, President and CEO
doug@cincymuseum.org

Cincinnati is far from my hometown in rural Iowa, but I couldn’t be more passionate about this vibrant city that I now call home. I began my museum career as CFO at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, after spending several years on the museum’s board. I was named CEO of the Genesee Country Village & Museum in 1995, and joined Cincinnati Museum Center as president and CEO in 1999. During this time, I’ve been excited to bring world-class exhibits to Cincinnati , including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Freedom’s Sisters, St. Peter and the Vatican, BODIES…The Exhibition, America I Am: The African American Imprint, and Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt. In the community, I serve as a board member for Wilmington College, Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Leadership Cincinnati USA, and CET Public Television Community Service Council. I am also involved with a variety of professional organizations, including serving on the board of the U.S. Committee of the International Council of Museums. The past 12 years have been an adventure, and there’s no other place I’d like to spend every day than Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, a community and historical icon, and a center for education and discovery. 

Dave Duszynski, Vice President of Featured Experiences and Customer Services
dduszynski@cincymuseum.org

I came to the Museum of Natural History on Gilbert Avenue in 1985 as the Planetarium Director, just in time for Halley’s Comet.  In 1990, along with the opening of Museum Center at Union Terminal, I assumed responsibility of the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater operations, and have been a consulting producer on many OMNIMAX films during the past 20+ years. Currently, I am also responsible for customer service operations, retail operations, and for developing special exhibitions. My degrees are in Astrophysics and Communications from Michigan State University.  For me, working in a museum provides the ideal opportunity to spread knowledge about the wonders of culture, the wonders of science, and the wonders of the universe—and it keeps me learning, too.

Lee Hoffheimer, Vice President of Institutional Advancement
lhoffheimer@cincymuseum.org

I manage a team of 12 individuals who are charged with budget support through gifts, grants and special events, as well as Museum Center’s 800-strong volunteer base. As President of the Museum Center Foundation, I play a special role in strategic planning and managing our ambitious goals for endowment growth, capital project funding, and innovative strategies for increasing contributions for expanded programs and capital projects.

Prior to joining Museum Center, I spent nearly 18 years with Lee Hecht Harrison, Inc., a global leader in creating and delivering distinctive human capital solutions, where I served as Senior Vice President, Client Services and Regional Sales Director.

I serve or have served on numerous boards of trustees in the area, including the boards of the Cincinnati Ballet, Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Board of Overseers, Junior League, International Association of Career Management Professionals, Cincinnatus Association, and Leadership Cincinnati.

Tonya Matthews, Ph.D., Vice President of Museums
tmatthews@cincymuseum.org

I am a lifelong wonderer! I am the Vice President of Museums which combines Museum Center’s Education, Research and Community Engagement Departments into a powerhouse of endless learning opportunities for any age. In my role, I also get to work with other organizations in our community to develop programs and events for families, students and teachers. My degrees are in engineering from Duke University and Johns Hopkins University. I have always considered myself an educator, and working at Museum Center is a one-of-a-kind experience because here we turn teaching into an experience.

Sandra Shipley, Chief of Staff
sshipley@cincymuseum.org

I walked into the Natural History Museum on Gilbert Avenue in 1971 and applied for a job with the Exhibit Department to work on the Indian Path. I was mentored by the accomplished Senior Scientist, Charlie Oehler, whose words still guide me today. I left to have one son and came back to work on the baby mammoths that now stand in front of the Geier Center. With a degree in art and one in natural history and over 30 years on the job and varied responsibilities, I still relish working at Cincinnati Museum Center. Every day is a new challenge and opportunity to interpret the world around us to our visitors. As Chief of Staff, I try to assist in whatever projects Doug assigns to me.

A. Larry Sisk, Chief Financial Officer
lsisk@cincymuseum.org

I was attracted to working at Museum Center because of its significance to the community. The vision for its future and the quality and commitment of its leadership and staff make it a world-class institution. I joined the museum in December 2008, after serving as vice president and treasurer of Ohio Casualty Corporation.  In this role, I was part of the new management team that drove the turnaround of the company, restoring operating profitability, recapitalization and a substantial increase in share price. Previously, I worked at Chicago Title Corporation as vice president and treasurer, and also as chief financial officer of one of its operating subsidiaries. I am proud to be part of the mission-driven team at Museum Center and to have the opportunity to contribute to the continuing success of this important landmark institution.