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.
Ryan Berry is Vice President of Business Development with Meyer Najem Construction, Fishers, and Jacksonville Florida’s premier contractor with 35 plus years delivering exceptional projects. Ryan works to grow Meyer Najems market share and maintains the reputation of Meyer Najem in the community. He has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry after starting his career in Orlando, FL. Ryan serves on the board of directors for Connor Prairie, Fishers Lacrosse, Fishers YMCA (2018-2021), Indiana Society for Healthcare Engineers and various committees with the Hamilton County Leadership Academy and others. Ryan is a construction management graduate from Purdue University and has his master’s in business administration. Ryan has three active children and resides in Fishers with his wife Jill.
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
