Oakland Museum of California Announces Three New Leaders of Curatorial and Philanthropic Divisions

(OAKLAND, CA) November 9, 2016—The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) announces the appointments of three instrumental new leaders at the Museum, including positions in the curatorial and experience development division as well as the philanthropic and institutional advancement center.

OMCA Director and CEO Lori Fogarty stated, “We are thrilled to welcome such talented individuals to our organization. Penny, Johanna, and Jessica have outstanding experience and innovative ideas in each of their respective fields, bringing fresh perspectives and passion to help us bring our community together at OMCA. These positions are essential to the fabric of our organization, and we couldn’t be more confident in the individuals who are leading the charge.”

Penny Jennings joins OMCA as the new Associate Director of Experience Development, responsible for ensuring all Museum galleries and exhibitions are accessible and meaningful to diverse target audiences. A museum veteran, Jennings began her career in the 1980s as a student of technology and material culture, soon branching into roles as an educator and exhibition developer. Jennings’ work has been primarily focused on science, history, and children’s museums—most recently, she worked as a Project Lead for Global Studios at the Exploratorium. She is also the Vice President of the National Association for Museum Exhibition (NAME), having served on its Board since 2006.

Johanna Jones brings almost two decades of experience in audience research and evaluation to her role as the Associate Director, Evaluation and Visitor Insights at OMCA. In her role, Jones is responsible for spearheading the Museum’s evaluation and visitor research, including the strategy, planning, and execution of an institution-wide, integrated program. In recent years, Jones worked as an independent consultant with clients including SFMOMA, California Academy of Sciences, and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Prior to her consulting role, Jones was the Managing Director of the west coast offices of Randi Korn and Associates, leading major projects for institutions across the country, including gallery reinstallation work at OMCA.

As Individual Giving Manager for OMCA, Jessica Bailey is responsible for leading the Museum’s Donor Forum program, as well as sustaining and growing the number of annual donors, individual donations, and advancing fundraising goals. She is passionate about cultivating relationships with Museum donors and, as an Oakland resident, is thrilled to support her home museum’s philanthropic efforts. Prior to her role at OMCA, Bailey worked in Donor Services at SFJAZZ before becoming the Annual Giving Manager at the Exploratorium and the Associate Director of Individual Giving at the Museum of African Diaspora. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in American History from Northwestern University, a Master of Arts in Museum Studies, and a Master of Business Administration from John F. Kennedy University.

ABOUT THE OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) brings together collections of art, history and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. OMCA’s groundbreaking exhibits tell the many stories that comprise California with many voices, often drawing on first-person accounts by people who have shaped California’s cultural heritage. Visitors are invited to actively participate in the Museum as they learn about the natural, artistic and social forces that affect the state and investigate their own role in both its history and its future. With more than 1.9 million objects, OMCA is a leading cultural institution of the Bay Area and a resource for the research and understanding of California’s dynamic cultural and environmental heritage.

VISITOR INFORMATION
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is at 1000 Oak Street, at 10th Street, in Oakland. Museum admission is $15.95 general; $10.95 seniors and students with valid ID, $6.95 youth ages 9 to 17, and free for Members and children 8 and under. There is a $4 charge in addition to general admission pricing for special exhibitions. OMCA offers onsite underground parking and is conveniently located one block from Lake Merritt BART station, on the corner of 10th Street and Oak Street. The accessibility ramp is located at the 1000 Oak Street main entrance to the Museum. museumca.org

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