Pelosi Announces Appointments to National Women’s History Museum Commission
Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today announced her appointments to the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Women's History Museum: Pat Mitchell, first woman President and CEO of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), and Emily Rafferty, President of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
"The National Women's History Museum in our national's capital will honor the outstanding American women of the past and educate and inspire generations of the future," said Leader Pelosi. "The establishment of this Commission is a vital step forward in giving women's role in history the recognition it deserves. We are especially thankful for Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney's outstanding leadership in moving this museum ever closer to realization."
"Pat Mitchell and Emily Rafferty will bring deep experience and strong vision to the Commission, and I am grateful that both of them have agreed to serve," continued Leader Pelosi. "Pat will pair the wisdom of extensive experience in media and management with the passion of a lifetime of devotion to the advancement of women. With almost four decades at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Emily has hands-on experience overseeing major development, construction, special exhibits and the overall management of one of our nation's leading museums. I know their talent and dedication will be invaluable to the Commission."
"I applaud Leader Pelosi for selecting two women with outstanding qualifications to serve on the National Women's History Museum Commission," said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY). "It took 16 years to establish this commission, and with these two final appointments, it will now move forward. Emily Rafferty and Pat Mitchell are exceptionally qualified."
The eight member commission is charged to study and report on the potential creation of a National Women's History Museum in Washington, D.C. The comprehensive report is to include possible locations, governance and organization for the museum; fundraising plan for construction, operations and maintenance; and best practices for engaging women in the development and design. A report to the President and the Congress must be completed 18 months after the first meeting of the Commission.
Leader Pelosi appointed the following individuals:
Pat Mitchell – Mitchell is now Senior Advisor to the Paley Center for Media in New York City, continuing her prior leadership as President and CEO of the Center. Mitchell also was the first women President and CEO of PBS and President of CNN Productions. She is an award-winning national journalist and a creator and producer of documentaries, with much of her work focused on social change and women. Mitchell serves on a number of non-profit boards including the Sundance Institute, Mayo Clinics, and the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Emily Rafferty – Rafferty has spent her career working for museums, including the past 10 as President of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. During almost forty years at the Met, Rafferty served as the museum's principal fundraiser and administrative leader on a number of important museum initiatives including the redesign of major galleries and exhibits. Rafferty serves on a number of public and non-profit boards, including the Board for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. She also served as Deputy Director for Education for the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston.
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