Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Names Brian D. King Executive Director

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 20, 2019 – Betty Brinn Children’s Museum has appointed Brian D. King as executive director, effective Sept. 1. King will oversee all aspects of the organization, including strategic and operational planning, and lead the museum to achieve its mission and goals.

King joins Betty Brinn Children’s Museum with nearly 15 years’ experience in education. He previously served as the head of Milwaukee Jewish Day School as well as its director of innovation, where he transformed the school’s educational model to a studentcentered, hands-on learning approach. Prior to that role, King was a middle school social studies teacher at the school.

“Throughout my professional career, I’ve been dedicated to developing the next generation of innovative young minds, and I’m very excited to continue this work with Betty Brinn Children’s Museum,” said King. “The museum plays a pivotal role in enriching and creating a lasting impact on the lives of children in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin through its exhibits and programming.”

King will succeed interim Executive Director Joanne Bischmann, who has served in the role since May. Bischmann joined the organization following the retirement of Fern Shupeck, who served as executive director for 21 years.

“We’re delighted to welcome Brian to Betty Brinn Children’s Museum,” said Jessie Lochmann Allen, president of the board of directors. “As we continue to grow and enhance the organization and what we provide to the community, Brian’s proven track record as a leader and change agent is an incredible fit.”

In addition to his background as an educator, King has owned and operated Woodfashioned LLC, a digital fabrication business that tapped into his passions for maker culture, innovation and design. He holds a juris doctorate from Duke University School of Law and a bachelor of arts degree in religion from Duke University.

About Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational resources that promote the healthy development of children. The Museum’s mission is supported by the design of age-appropriate, hands-on exhibits and programs for children, and adult education programs that focus on early childhood brain development, learning styles, parenting skills and how the museum environment can be used to promote a young child’s cognitive, emotional, social and physical growth. The museum’s Maker Initiatives were established in 2013 to expand the organization’s core learning-by-doing mission to the larger community through year-round maker programs at the museum, community outreach, the annual presentation of Maker Faire® Milwaukee, and the establishment of its satellite makerspace, Brinn Labs, in 2018. For more information, visit bbcmkids.org and brinnlabs.org.