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 August 2006 CHARLESTON, S.C. (August 7, 2006) – The International African American Museum (IAAM) today announced Dr. Gretta A. Middleton will serve as its inaugural director of the board of directors. Middleton will assume the role immediately. “Gretta Middleton brings strength in leadership and institutional development to her new position as our director,” said U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn, chairman, board of directors. “Her appointment is a big step toward seeing the dream of IAAM become a reality.” The new director’s responsibilities include implementing the museum’s strategic plan, overseeing fundraising activities and collaborating with IAAM’s board of directors, Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr., who created the initial concept of this museum, regarding IAAM’s development. A management consultant with nearly four decades of experience, Middleton most recently managed a number of endeavors in Africa for United States Agency for International Development and other international projects in Ghana, Great Britain, Jamaica and Thailand. For more than two decades, Middleton has written about institutional capability, leadership, multiculturalism and education. She has also taught courses in international organizations, management, public administration and public policy at Charleston Southern University, The Community College of Baltimore and Howard University’s Graduate School of Business and Public Administration. Middleton’s museum experience as a volunteer is vast. A highlight of her museum experience was editing catalogues and publications as well as participating in the development and design of two exhibits at the Anacostia Museum, a community museum of the Smithsonian Institution. Middleton has served on a number of boards with African American interests, including Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture, Charleston Museum, Banking Board of Maryland, Sojourner-Douglass College and Johns Hopkins University. “It is a great honor and privilege to be named the inaugural director of what is certain to be the preeminent African American museum in the United States,” said Middleton. “I look forward to working with IAAM’s board of directors, the International board of advisors, Congressman Clyburn and the city of Charleston to bring IAAM to life.” After growing up in Charleston, Middleton received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C., where she majored in political science and economics. She attended New York University earning a Master of Public Administration and a Doctorate in Public Policy, Development Administration and Economic Development. In addition to U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn, IAAM’s board of directors is led by Vice Chairperson Rita Littles Scott, Secretary Lucille S. Whipper and Treasurer Henry B. Smythe Jr. Additional members of the board of directors are: Michael A. Allen, Elizabeth H. Alston, M. Alpha Bah, Ph.D., Anne Frances Bleecker, Anthony Bostic, Alphonso Brown, James E. Campbell, Eduardo K. Curry, Ronald Daise, Rev. Joseph A. Darby, Charles H. P. Duell, W. Marvin Dulaney, Ph.D., Wendell G. Gilliard, Queen Marquetta L. Goodwine, Miriam C. Green, Rhoda Green, Vanessa Hill, Christine O. Jackson, Darrell Jackson, George McDaniel, Ph.D., Marlene L. O’Bryant-Seabrook, Ph.D., Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr., Katharine S. Robinson, William Saunders, Dot S. Scott, Leon E. Stavrinakis, Rodger E. Stroup, Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum and Charles E. Young, Ph.D. Middleton will also work closely with the International Board of Advisors, chaired by Marva Smalls, executive vice president of public affairs and chief of staff for Nickelodeon, TV Land and Spike TV. Former President Bill Clinton serves as the honorary chairman. # # # About the International African American Museum Currently in development and created in partnership with the city of Charleston S.C., the International African American Museum will investigate, advocate and illustrate the role of people of African descent in the making of the modern world, especially as seen from the perspective of South Carolina. Located in the heart of metro Charleston at the corner of Calhoun and Concord streets, the proposed museum will measure 60,000 square feet and cost approximately $69 million. IAAM is being developed to ensure its long-term sustainability and will be located near other attractions that already attract nearly 5 million tourists per year. For more information, please visit www.charlestoncity.info/iaam  |
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