Executive Leadership
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Norman Burns
President and CEO
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Jennifer Sommers
Vice President, Chief Advancement and Communications Officer
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Ryan Spencer
Vice President, Chief Programs Officer
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Kyle Wenger
Vice President, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Extended Leadership Team
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Mark Firestone
Associate VP of Developing Experiences
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Tom Niswonger
Associate VP of Facilities
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Shelby Slowik
Associate VP of Human Resources
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Brandy Whitaker
Associate VP of Daily Guest Experience
Directors
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Diana Bilger
Director of Finance
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Vincent Black
Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy
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Marianne Collar
Director of Camps & Recreation
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Andrew Collins
Director of Business Intelligence & Information Systems
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David Dellacca
Director of Information Technology
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Ronda Hamm
Director of Food, Farm and Energy Experience
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Emily Hitchcock
Director of Corporate and Community Relations
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Kim jones
Director of Food and Beverage
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Stephanie Niswonger
Director of Ag Initiatives
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Shirley Ray
Director of Interpretation
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Ryan Jay Shank
Director of Historical and Digital Resources
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Erin Silcox Jacobs
Director of Donor and Member Relations
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Emily Sigler
Director of Foundation Relations
Board of Directors
Lifelong learning requires real leadership
At Conner Prairie, every guest has the opportunity to pursue knowledge and fun in a way that is tailored to them. This pursuit requires strong, dedicated leadership. Our Board of Directors oversees operations and engages community members in supporting the museum. Conner Prairie thanks these individuals who contribute their time and expertise.
Jessica Brand is an accomplished freelance marketing director, responsible for revenue, profit, client, and guest satisfaction. Her early experience as National Marketing Director for GE Capital built a strong understanding of business operations and the knack for creating innovative solutions that increase overall business performance. She has built a reputation for operational excellence, working with the highest level of integrity, and a deep passion for commitment to clients and guests.
Jessica has more than 35 years of leadership experience in multi-cultural environments. Active in her community for many years, Jessica serves on the Board of Directors at Peace Learning Center, Chair of the Board of Directors at Indianapolis Art Center, Board of Directors for NXG Youth Motorsports and a 16-year member of Circle City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated where she also Chairs the Central Area of The Links, Incorporated Fund Development Committee.
Jessica holds a BA from Siena College. A 26-year resident of Carmel, IN, Jessica resides with her husband Scott. They have three children.
Conner Prairie Foundation
The Conner Prairie Foundation board of directors oversees the management of the museum's endowment and the land and structures of the museum, including the William Conner House.
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Kevin Schmidt
Chair, Conner Prairie Foundation | Vice President/Investments, Stifel
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William G. Batt
Retired Banker, First of America Bank
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Brooke May
Managing Partner at Evans May Wealth
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Rita McCluskey
CFP, Senior VP of McCluskey Group, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
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Jay Ricker
Treasurer, Conner Prairie Foundation | Chairman, Ricker Holdings
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Rich Thrapp
Retired Partner, Ice Miller
Directors Emeriti
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Douglas D. (Doug) Church
Senior Partner, Church Church Hittle and Antrim
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Berkley Duck
Managing Partner (retired), Ice Miller
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Stan Hurt
Chairman (retired), Indiana Supply Corporation
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Jay Ricker
Chairman, Ricker Holdings
