2013 Report to the Community

President’s Message:

This annual report reflects on our incredible year of change in FY ’13.   The year brought us a new director, a new vision, new hours and programs, and a new sense of priorities.  In fact change at JMM happened so rapidly that this annual report, which normally appears at the end of the fiscal year was pushed to the end of the calendar year.  Additional time for reflection gives us the perspective to know that even our toughest decisions have formed a foundation for future success.

The biggest change this year has been the incorporation of our new director, Marvin Pinkert, into the daily life of the JMM. Marvin came to us from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. He brings to the JMM a deep knowledge of historical scholarship, skills necessary to run a specialized museum, and the ability to energize staff and board members to perform at a high level. With Marvin’s assistance, we are looking forward to a future of historical growth and service to the Maryland community.

I am especially pleased that FY ’13 was a year of increased commitment for the entire JMM Board.  We committed by giving our passion to the process of visioning, by increasing our financial support – growing the Board Leadership Campaign by 12%, and by spreading the word of our success in the community with renewed vigor.  At the top of my own thank you list is my predecessor, Larry Caplan.  Larry served as President of JMM throughout FY ’13 and his leadership is reflected in all of this year’s achievements.

But it wasn’t just the Board that made change possible.  The final pages of this annual report are filled with names:  the names of people who donate their money and those who entrust us with their precious family legacy; the names of people who lend us their time and skills as volunteers as well as the names of our talented staff who have made us a professional organization; and the names of interns, advisors and consultants who both learn and teach and ensure that we’re building a culture of creativity and innovation.

I value every name on that list and the contribution they have made to this year’s success.  I hope you will find your name there.  If not, let me assure you that we have room for more pages and I look forward to seeing your name on the FY ’14 list.

Ira Papel, M.D.

JMM Board President, (2013 – 2015)

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