BALTIMORE, Maryland--Jonathan W. Landers, a nonprofit executive with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, museum, and corporate leadership, has been appointed executive director of the National Museum of Dentistry.
An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum is the only museum of its kind to celebrate the history of the dental profession and educate the public about the importance of good oral health to a healthy life.
"Mr. Landers was selected from a broad range of candidates as the individual who would be best able to assume this role and allow the National Museum of Dentistry to realize its potential and continue to grow," said Dr. Leslie W. Seldin, chair of the National Museum of Dentistry's Board of Visitors.
"With Mr. Landers' assumption of his new responsibilities, I feel confident that 2010 will prove to be a banner year for the museum and one in which we will be able to accomplish all of our strategic goals."
The appointment of Landers, which follows a nationwide search for a director, was effective Jan. 4, 2010. Landers succeeds Rosemary Fetter, who retired in June 2009 after leading the museum for 11 years. Elza Dunning, the museum's Director of Operations, has served as interim director.
Landers has had senior level nonprofit management experience overseeing staff and operations, working with board members, directing fund-raising activities, and developing successful earned revenue, membership, sponsorship and marketing programs.
"I am thrilled to be a part of the National Museum of Dentistry as it provides a unique opportunity to use fascinating history, fun facts and engaging educational outreach to highlight the importance of a healthy smile," Landers said.
"I look forward to growing the museum's role as a leading resource to influence public awareness of oral health and the critical role that dental professionals play in this effort."
Prior to his appointment, Landers was managing principal of Marketing for Museums Consulting where he provided strategic marketing, new business development and fundraising services to nonprofits. He was previously a specialist in the Cultural Attractions consulting practice at Economics Research Associates, advising clients such as the National Museum of American History, the Carnegie Science Center, the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the National Museum of the United States Army and the National Geographic Society.
As deputy director at the Experience Music Project in Seattle, Wash., he was responsible for managing operations and staff for visitor-related activities, strategic planning, event programming, membership, development, retail sales, sponsorships, and public and government relations.
As vice president, marketing and new business development for the National Geographic Society, he was responsible for increasing membership and development of major new sources of revenue generations and overseeing corporate marketing efforts.
Prior to moving to the nonprofit sector, he held senior brand marketing and managing positions for Fortune 500 and international companies, as well as being a founding member of several tech start-ups.
"Mr. Landers' background includes talent and experience in program development, fund raising and institutional management for various organizations," said Michael Sudzina, National Museum of Dentistry Board of Visitors member and chair of the search committee. "His interest and enthusiasm for joining the Museum made him the ideal fit."
Landers holds a B.A. from Bowdoin College and an MBA .from Columbia University. He has taught museum marketing at George Washington University's School of Museum Studies and lectured at numerous museum and marketing conferences.
For more information, call (410) 706-0600 or visit National Museum of Dentistry.
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