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Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum announces new appointments

Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum announce the appointment of Beth Comstock as president and Judy Francis Zankel as secretary of its board of trustees. The Smithsonian’s board of regents voted Jan. 23 to appoint Dr. Alberto Eiber to the board of Cooper-Hewitt.


Carnegie Mansion Photo: Dennis Cowley

“We are excited that Beth and Judy have assumed these leadership roles during this important time in the museum’s history,” said Bill Moggridge, director.

Cooper-Hewitt’s main facility, housed in the Carnegie Mansion, is undergoing renovation as part of a $64 million capital campaign that includes enlarged and enhanced facilities for exhibitions, collections display, education programming and the National Design Library, and an increased endowment. During the renovation, Cooper-Hewitt’s usual schedule of exhibitions, education programs and events will be staged at various off-site locations, including Bill’s Design Talks at the Greene Space, the Enid and Lester Morse Historic Design Lecture Series at the University Club and the “Graphic Design: Now in Production” exhibition at Governors Island next summer.

“Beth and Judy have been trustees for a number of years and we are grateful to them for their commitment to Cooper-Hewitt,” said Caroline Baumann, associate director. “We are also delighted to welcome Al Eiber to our distinguished roster of 31 trustees who are working diligently to promote the museum’s mission.”

Cooper-Hewitt’s board of trustees, chaired by Paul Herzan, includes distinguished civic and business leaders dedicated to the continued growth of the museum.

Founded in 1897, Cooper-Hewitt is the only museum in the nation devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design. The museum presents compelling perspectives on the impact of design on daily life through active educational programs, exhibitions and publications. – www.cooperhewitt.org

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