Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum – located at 315 W. Genesee Ave. in Saginaw – has named a new executive leader, Samantha Jones, following the recent departure of former President & CEO Emily Yeager.
“Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum is delighted to introduce Samantha Jones as its new President & CEO,” said Evan Houpis, Chairman of the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum Board of Directors. “After a thorough and thoughtful search, we are confident Samantha will drive the Museum’s mission of empowering discovery and creativity through hands-on learning.
Jones, a resident of Midland, has served as Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Central Michigan since 2014. In that role she oversaw implementation of Girls on the Run after school programming; engagement and training of staff, volunteers, and stakeholders; and led the organization through a merger and expansion, growing service area from three to nine counties.
Prior to leading Girls on the Run of Central Michigan, Jones worked for Isabella County Parks. Jones is a two-time graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelors of applied arts and master of arts in recreation and parks administration.
In her new role – which she will begin on November 1 – Jones will establish a vision for the future of the museum that is achieved through empowering creative and highly skilled leaders, staff, and volunteers.
“I am excited to begin this role with the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum,” Jones said. “The museum is a vital community resource bringing families and friends together to nurture children through play. I look forward to working collaboratively with the board of directors, staff, partners, and the community to make the Great Lakes Bay Region the best place to live, work, and play.”
The Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum is the only hands-on museum in our region created solely for children ages newborn through 10 years old. Each gallery is designed by children’s museum specialists and educators to ensure that children are educationally engaged as they play.
