Donlan Succeeds Sally Sears Ahead of Grand Opening
CLEVELAND, OH—September 27, 2024—The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is proud to announce the appointment of Susan Donlan as the newest Chair of its Board of Directors. Donlan steps into this role after serving more than four years on the Museum’s Board and acting as its Vice Chair since 2023. She succeeds Sally Zlotnick Sears, who joined the board in 2014 and served as Chair since September 2021. With more than 20 years of experience in corporate communications and a strong commitment to the Cleveland community, Donlan brings a wealth of expertise at a pivotal time in the Museum’s history—the Grand Opening of a $150 million transformation in December 2024.
“I extend my sincerest gratitude to Sally Sears, whose steadfast leadership has played a fundamental role in our transformation,” says Sonia Winner, Museum President & CEO. “As we move toward our Grand Opening this December, Susan Donlan’s experience will be a tremendous asset in our work to make science education more relevant and inclusive to all.”
As the Museum continues its mission to promote science literacy and transform the visitor experience, Donlan brings valuable insights as a leader in the field of communications. Currently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for KeyCorp, Donlan has a proven track record in managing complex communication strategies and increasing an organization’s positive impact on the surrounding community. Her leadership and vision at KeyCorp have translated into active involvement in several Museum initiatives, including the Executive Committee and the Advancement and Campaign Committee. Donlan has also served as the Co-Chair of the Community Engagement Committee.
“Susan is a true champion of the Museum’s mission, and I have had the pleasure of seeing her influence at work in community engagement initiatives and the Museum as a whole,” says Sally Zlotnick Sears, Board Chair Emeritus. “I know her leadership will continue to make a positive impact on this esteemed institution and in our region.” Along with her service on the Board and her role at KeyCorp, Donlan is committed to sharing her knowledge and influence within the community. This year, she was inducted into Ragan’s 2024 Top Women in Communications Hall of Fame. This prestigious program salutes women in the communications field who are set apart by their unrivaled experience, expertise, and efforts to uplift one another. In addition to Donlan’s new role within the Museum’s Board of Directors, she also participates in KeyBank's mentoring program and is a board member of the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation. Donlan lives in Shaker Heights with her husband and children. “I’m excited to continue the Museum’s important mission of communicating the relevance of science and nature to all our audiences,” says Donlan. “It’s a privilege to serve as Board Chair in this transformative chapter in the Museum’s history.”
About the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Transformation Project
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s $150 million transformation project is an unprecedented reinvention that will align the Museum’s architecture with its mission of instilling a passion for nature and science in all learners. The Transforming the World of Discovery campaign has raised $147 million for this project, which will expand the Museum's building to more than 375,000 square feet and its outdoor visitor areas to more than 2 acres. The transformation project aims to broaden community access and help all stakeholders understand their connection with the natural world and the relevance of science to their daily lives. The latest milestone in this project was the opening in October 2023 of a welcoming new Visitor Hall, a free community space that showcases eight of the Museum’s most iconic objects and specimens. This dramatic, 15,000-square-foot gallery features ceilings that soar to 21 feet and stunning new exhibits placed along the Douglas McCreery and Dr. Laurie McCreery Timeline of the Earth, which marks key events in the history of the Universe. Slated for completion in late 2024, the Museum’s transformation encompasses a complete reimagining of the Museum campus and all its exhibits. Pioneering a new model for natural history museums, the redesigned exhibits will highlight the Museum’s world-class assets while reflecting its role as a trusted community resource. The Museum appreciates the generous support from community members, corporations, foundations, and government grants that has helped to make this transformation a reality.
About the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History illuminates the world around us and inspires visitors to engage with the natural forces that shape their lives. Since its founding in 1920, the Museum has pioneered scientific research to advance knowledge across diverse fields of study and used its outstanding collections, which encompass millions of artifacts and specimens, to deepen the public’s understanding of the dynamic connections between humans and nature. Through its Natural Areas Program, the Museum stewards more than 12,000 acres of protected ecosystems across northern Ohio. A community gathering place, educational center, and research institution, the Museum is a vital resource that serves Cleveland and the nation. For more information, visit CMNH.org.
Media Contacts
Samantha Guenther, External Communications Manager
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
440-429-2902
sguenther@cmnh.org
