National Children’s Museum Announces Appointment of New President + CEO, Kiryn Hoffman

Hoffman brings extensive executive leadership and strategic partnership experience to the institution

WASHINGTON – National Children’s Museum, renowned for its commitment to play-based science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education, is pleased to announce that after a nationwide search for new leadership, the Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Kiryn Hoffman as the institution’s new President + CEO. 

In this role, Hoffman will be responsible for the overall strategy and day-to-day operations of the Museum, enlivening the institution’s new five-year strategic plan and setting forth a vision that emphasizes the visitor experience, further strengthens community connection and builds strong support systems for the institution.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kiryn as the new President + CEO of National Children’s Museum,” said Robert M. Volmer, chair of the Board of Trustees. “She is an exceptional leader with a deep passion for STEAM education and a vision to empower the next generation of innovators that aligns perfectly with the Museum’s mission. I am confident she is the right leader at the right time for our institution.”

Hoffman will bring more than twenty years of experience in executive leadership and fundraising to National Children’s Museum. She joins the team from The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), where she most recently held the title of Chief Advancement Officer and Interim Deputy President and CEO. At NYSCI, she was responsible for all private fundraising for the institution, managing partnerships with philanthropists, foundations and corporations and overseeing major fundraising initiatives including the annual gala and the NYSCI President’s Council. Previously, she held leadership positions at the New York Academy of Sciences and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. She is a trained physical chemist and assisted Nobel laureate James D. Watson in writing and editing his book, “DNA: The Secret of Life”, ultimately curating an international touring exhibit about his writing career.

“I am proud to be joining National Children’s Museum at a pivotal point in its 50-year history. For five decades, this Museum’s exhibitions and programs have offered children and families an inspiring place to play and learn,” said Kiryn Hoffman, newly appointed President + CEO. “As we kick off the next 50 years, I am looking forward to celebrating this legacy and expanding the Museum’s role as a place of playful exploration that brings STEAM learning to children and families in Washington, DC, and around the world.”

Hoffman will assume the responsibilities of her new role on October 21, 2024, in time to join the Museum for its 50th Anniversary Dreamers Gala on December 7, 2024, commemorating five decades of Museum impact through playful learning. In October, Interim CEO Meredith Hamme will resume her role as Vice President of External Affairs for the Museum.

###

About National Children’s Museum

Celebrating five decades of play in 2024, STEAM adventure awaits at National Children’s Museum, located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. With a mission to inspire children to care about and change the world, the Museum sparks curiosity and ignites creativity for children under the age of twelve and their families. Through playful science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) based exhibits, programs and virtual offerings, the Museum reaches millions of people each year. Learn more and plan your visit at nationalchildrensmuseum.org