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CBMM’s president announces retirement plans

Langley Shook has announced his intention to retire as CBMM’s President. He will remain as President until a successor is named.

Langley ShookShook became CBMM’s fourth President in 2009 after serving on the museum’s Board of Governors for one year. He accepted the position shortly after retiring from nearly 35 years of law practice in Washington, DC, where he was a partner with the Sidley Austin law firm. Shook accepted CBMM’s presidency with anticipation of serving for three to five years. Now in his fifth year of service, Shook plans to remain active in local community affairs and business activities after his retirement.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as the museum’s President,” said Shook. “My wife Karen and I have been life members for more than twenty years, and we’ve always considered CBMM as the most valuable cultural resource in our community. What we’ll miss the most is the almost daily interaction with so many wonderful people—the staff, volunteers, members, and Board—who make this place so special.”

A formal search committee—led by a CBMM Executive Committee member and including Governors, Emeritus Governors, and senior staff—will be responsible for setting criteria and identifying candidates for the leadership position.

“Through Langley’s leadership, we are well positioned for the next phase of the museum’s growth,” commented CBMM’s Chairman Tom Seip. “Langley has made incalculable contributions to the museum over the past several years. We are very grateful for his service, and we’re honored he will remain until our next President is found. Langley has brought growth and vibrancy to the museum, and I’m confident his legacy will remain with the museum for a very long time.”

Shook began his presidency with managing the museum through a challenging economic period. According to museum officials, CBMM’s revenues today are larger than ever, with long-term debt reduced and four consecutive years of surpluses in the operating budget. During Shook’s presidency, CBMM’s annual fund almost doubled in size, with more donors and new all-time fundraising records set each successive year. Shook also was instrumental in carrying out the historic restoration of the skipjack Rosie Parks, resulting in her re-launch at CBMM’s OysterFest 2013 with the largest, single-day audience in CBMM’s 48-year history.

Shook may be most noted, however, for spearheading efforts to expand and diversify the museum’s audiences, as highlighted by CBMM’s partnerships with the Frederick Douglass Honor Society and the Talbot County Watermen’s Association. Shook was instrumental in forming and strengthening these relationships that led to the Frederick Douglass Day and Watermen’s Appreciation Day events at the museum, which he initiated.