National Women's History Museum Welcomes New Board Members Scott Hefter and Joyce Winnecke

National Women's History Museum Strengthens Leadership

The National Women's History Museum (NWHM) has taken a significant step forward by appointing two new members to its Board of Directors, Scott Hefter and Joyce Winnecke. This strategic move is aimed at amplifying the museum's mission to celebrate women's contributions to history through innovative digital platforms and engaging storytelling.

Frédérique Irwin, the President and CEO of NWHM, expressed excitement about the new appointments, stating that the expertise Hefter and Winnecke bring will be instrumental in transforming the museum's engagement with audiences. She emphasized the critical role of technology as a tool for democratizing access to women's stories and making history inclusive for everyone.

Profiles of the New Board Members

Scott Hefter

Scott Hefter brings extensive leadership experience to the NWHM, currently serving as a Senior Advisor at the Boston Consulting Group. His career spans over three decades in management consulting, where he has adeptly tackled complex strategic and operational issues across various sectors, including telecommunications and public services. Hefter is particularly noted for his role as CEO at PRTM and his subsequent integration of the company with PwC, which was one of the most successful mergers in the industry. In addition, he has a rich background in fostering dialogue and connection through technology, focusing on how digital tools can enhance civic participation.

Joyce Winnecke

Joyce Winnecke is an accomplished media executive whose career showcases her unique blend of journalistic integrity and strategic leadership. Winnecke held senior roles at major outlets like the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, where she spearheaded initiatives that revitalized newsroom operations and drove digital transformation. Notably, as President of the Tribune Content Agency, she reversed a long-term decline in the business by innovating and developing new models to adapt to the changing media landscape. Her commitment to women's leadership and advocacy is evident from her past presidencies at organizations like YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and her involvement with the International Women's Forum.

A Board Ready for Evolution

Susan Whiting, the Board Chair, commented on the timing of these appointments, highlighting how Hefter's strategic experience and Winnecke's media leadership align perfectly with NWHM’s aim of becoming a more digitally engaged institution. With these new additions, the museum signals a forward-thinking approach to enhancing the visibility and accessibility of women's history.

This decision comes on the heels of the museum's recent expansion of its leadership, including the hiring of Lisa Franklin as the first Chief Marketing Officer. These changes are expected to bolster the museum's outreach, enabling it to connect with a broader range of communities continually.

Singleton McAllister, the Board Vice-Chair, remarked on the momentous occasion, asserting that leaders like Hefter and Winnecke are not just valuable for their governance insights but also for their understanding of narrative power in shaping a more inclusive future.

About the National Women's History Museum

Founded in 1996, the National Women's History Museum is dedicated to making women's history visible and accessible to all. As the leading digital-first institution in this field, it reaches millions through innovative exhibitions and education programs. The museum operates independently of the Smithsonian and aims to ensure that the stories of women, pivotal to the American narrative, are recognized and celebrated as part of the overall pursuit of equity in society. The NWHM continues to advocate for women’s history to play a central role in the broader American narrative, affirming its status as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

With these dynamic leaders aboard, the National Women's History Museum is poised for significant growth and transformation in the digital age, ensuring that every woman's history is counted and celebrated.