The Children’s Museum of the East End has announced the appointment of Liz Bard and Lara Sweeney as Co-Presidents of the Museum. Previously, Bard served as Director of Education at the Museum and Sweeney served as Director of Development. With combined experience of more than 15 years at CMEE, Bard and Sweeney bring extensive institutional knowledge while offering a fresh perspective and bold new vision for the Museum.
After a three-month search initiative led by executive search firm Harris Rand Lusk, CMEE’s Board of Trustees are thrilled with the dual appointment. “We are very excited that Lara and Liz have stepped into this new shared leadership position at CMEE, with a deep understanding of CMEE’s commitment to the local community and a dynamic combination of energy, enthusiasm and grit — CMEE is poised to grow and continue to deliver high quality, purpose-driven family programming,” said Museum Board Co-Chairs, Christie Jacobs and Jock Percy.
“It’s been a privilege and a joy to serve the local community for the past 10 years through CMEE, I look forward to working with Liz to expand CMEE’s reach and mission — together we can double our impact and create double the fun for our patrons,” said Sweeney.
Bard said, “Our patrons are my greatest inspiration; I have enjoyed working with children, families and other non-profit partners on the East End, and am eager to serve as Co-President and thrilled to bring the Museum to a broader audience.”
Bard holds a master’s degree in education and specializes in child development. She was integral in developing new programs at CMEE including sensory friendly hours, classes for children with developmental disabilities, free arts programming in Riverside and workshops with visiting artists. She has helped other nonprofits find their footing and emerge across the East End. As a new parent, Bard is excited to experience the museum through a parents’ eyes and expand CMEE’s impact.
With 20 years’ experience in the non-profit sector, Sweeney has worked to expand the museum’s fundraising base over the last decade. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she was instrumental in establishing the museum’s ongoing food pantry. Prior to joining the Children’s Museum in 2012, Sweeney served in Major Gifts at the Children’s Aid Society and Operations at the American Australian Association. A Sag Harbor native, Sweeney is excited to continue to serve her hometown community.
The Mission of the Children’s Museum of the East End is to spark imagination and foster learning for children of all backgrounds and abilities and to build strong connections within the East End community by providing playful experiences. For more info, visit cmee.org.