Case Study 1
Santa Cruz Museum
of Natural History
Santa Cruz, California
www.santacruzmuseums.org
Client Background
Established in 1905,
the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History (SCMNH) is one of the oldest
institutions in Santa Cruz dedicated to connecting people with nature
and inspiring stewardship of the natural world. With the elimination
of museum funding from the City of Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Museum
Association prepared to transition the Museum from a public/private
partnership to an independent non-profit organization.
Description of Project/Process
The approach was designed
to engage the Santa Cruz Museum Association Board of Directors,
current / former staff, and volunteers, City of Santa Cruz Parks
& Recreation Department and City Council members, and other
community members in the transition of the oversight and governance
model. As the plan was taking shape, Board leadership was in negotiation
with the City and conducting in-depth assessment of the status of
the collections to inform the process. The dovetailing of these
two efforts resulted in significant progress toward the long-term
goal of becoming an independent 501(c)3 overseeing the entire operation.
Outcome
This was a transformative
process for all involved that resulted in a new mission, reinvented
business model, and strategic plan. The strategic plan addressed
and defined steps for a dramatic shift in operations, while capitalizing
on their unique role in advancing the stewardship of the natural
environment of the Santa Cruz region. A vital management tool, the
three-year plan outlines a path to the future with a vision for
the Museum as a full non-profit operation governed by a Board of
Directors and managed by a professional museum staff.
Timetable
Eight months from the
design phase through implementation.
Testimonials
Gail empowered the Board
of a newly created non-profit to take command of one of the oldest
cultural organizations in Santa Cruz. Through Gail's breadth of
experience, she was able to facilitate discussions that the Board
never envisioned, helping them identify priorities, which guided
them in hiring a new Director. With a well-developed strategic
plan in place, I had confidence in taking the Director's job because
the Museum's vision and goals were so clearly laid out.
Daniel Harder
Executive Director
Santa Cruz Museum of
Natural History
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