The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center’s Board of Trustees recently announced promotions of two key members of its executive team, Andrew Parton and Jennifer Baxmeyer, due to remarkable leadership of a diverse and expanding team, meaningful transformation into a STEM education center, and continued growth and success by remaining relevant and community and customer-focused in a challenging market. The promotions support The Cradle of Aviation Museum’s commitment to becoming the leading center of aerospace and technology education through the preservation of museum artifacts, expanding educational opportunities towards the development of an innovative workforce for the region.

Andrew Parton has been promoted from Executive Director to President. Parton joined the museum in 2005 as Director of Marketing and Promoted to Acting Director in 2007 and Executive Director in 2008.  In his ten plus years as Director he has worked to improve the fiscal position of the museum and has worked expand the museum’s offerings to include new exhibits and programs providing the museum with a diversified revenue stream.   In his new role, Parton will increase his focus on leading multi-year strategy working closely with the Board to outline and implement key programs for museum growth, securing major investments in the museum via donors, grants, corporate sponsors, government investments, and other channels, working on the next phases of physical expansion.

Jennifer Baxmeyer has been promoted from Deputy Director to Executive Director.  Baxmeyer joined the museum in 2005 as an Education Coordinator.  She then became Education Director in 2008 helping to increase school visitations by 30% and working to develop the STEM Hub.  Subsequently Jennifer was promoted to Deputy Director in 2014 and has spearheaded efforts to create best practices in areas such as Human Resources, Customer Service, Informational Technology and Strategic Planning.  She has also helped to raise over $200K in grants.  In her new role, Baxmeyer will increase her direct oversight over the day-to-day operation, working with the Cradle Team in delivering an exceptional experience to the museum’s guests.

“Our new management structure will help to position the museum for growth in providing visitors with a unique experience. We couldn’t be more proud of Andy, Jennifer, the Museum Staff, and all of our Board of Trustees, all of whom contribute in making the Cradle of Aviation a centerpiece of Long Island.” – Marc MacDonnell, Chairman, Board of Trustees

The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center is home to over 75 planes and spacecraft representing over 100 years of aviation history and Long Island’s only Giant Screen Dome Theater.  Currently, the museum is celebrating  “Countdown to Apollo at 50” sponsored by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation,  showcasing Long Island and Grumman’s significant role in the Apollo program. The Museum was recently recognized and listed on New York State’s National Register of Historic Places as a significant part of American history. The museum is located on Museum Row, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., in East Garden City.