SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/29/13 -- The Mexican Museum is proud to announce its new Board of Trustees, which includes Andrew Kluger, chairman of the board; Nora E. Wagner, vice-chair; Emily Pimentel, secretary; and Arturo Taboada, treasurer.
Kluger succeeds Mario P. Diaz whose four-year term as chair ends on May 31.
"I am honored to be leading The Mexican Museum during such an important time in its history," said Kluger. "My hope is to continue to build on the work Mario has accomplished during his tenure. We here at the Museum have much to look forward to, including our new home in San Francisco's Yerba Buena Arts District."
Diaz, vice president/community affairs officer with Wells Fargo, has played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Museum's national reputation as one of the foremost centers in the United States for Mexican, Chicano and Latino art, culture, history and heritage. He will continue to support all efforts related to the Museum's new home, ensuring that future generations can experience its unique, valuable collections and programs.
"While I may be stepping down as chairman, I will continue to be involved with and be part of the ever-growing number of supporters of The Mexican Museum. The Museum holds a very special place in my heart," said Diaz.
Andrew Kluger, chairman of the board: Formerly board treasurer, Kluger is a Mexico-born entrepreneur, venture capitalist and philanthropist who brings tremendous business experience to The Mexican Museum. He is founder and chief executive officer of Early Bird Alert, a medical technology company, and a managing partner of Bluegrass Assisted Living LLC. Kluger is the former chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Hawaii Air Ambulance, Inc. In addition, he is a partner in Grupo Alfa - IDI EIKON, a software engineering company. In 2011, he was named Honorary Consul to the State of Hawaii for The Republic of Mexico. Kluger received his bachelor of arts degree in international affairs and economics from the University of California Davis and a juris doctorate from the University of San Francisco School of Law.
Nora E. Wagner, vice-chair: Born and raised in Mexico City, Wagner's connection to the Museum dates back to 1976, when she served as the director of education, a position she held for 16 years. She created educational programs and tours of the Museum's outstanding collections and art exhibitions, which range from Pre-Hispanic to contemporary times. Her deep commitment to and love for the Museum continue with her new role as vice-chair. Wagner is currently programs director at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA, where she develops school, docent and public programs for all ages. She received her bachelor of arts degree in French and English literature from Louisiana State University, a master of arts degree in English literature from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. and an honorary doctorate for museum studies from John F. Kennedy University, Orinda, CA.
Emily Pimentel, secretary: An environmental scientist, Pimentel works for the US Environmental Protection Agency on U.S.-Mexico trans-boundary environmental issues and formerly worked in the private sector on diverse national and international assignments. Pimentel received her bachelor of arts in biology from the University of Texas at Austin, and her master's degree in marine ecology from San Francisco State University. Her first visit to The Mexican Museum came shortly after her college graduation. It was a visit that inspired her long-term commitment to the Museum and its role as a premier Bay Area destination to experience the rich culture and arts of all Latin America.
Arturo Taboada, treasurer: In addition to serving as the new Museum treasurer, Taboada will continue to serve as chair of the Museum's building committee. His passion and vast professional experience have been instrumental in The Mexican Museum's plans for its new location at 706 Mission Street in the Yerba Buena Arts District. Taboada is president of ALMA Strategies LLC, a strategic facilities planning and project management consulting firm. He received his bachelor of arts from the University of California Berkeley in architecture and planning. He also holds both a master of business administration and a master of architecture from the University of California Berkeley.
About The Mexican Museum:
Founded by San Francisco artist Peter Rodriguez in 1975 in the heart of the Mission District, The Mexican Museum is located at Fort Mason Center. It is the realization of a vision to exhibit the aesthetic expression of the Mexican and Mexican American people. Today, the museum's vision has expanded to reflect the evolving scope of the Mexican, Chicano and Latino experience -- including art, culture, history and heritage. In 2012 The Mexican Museum became an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the nation's largest museum network. The museum currently has a permanent collection of more than 14,000 objects of Pre-Hispanic, Colonial, Popular, Modern and Contemporary Mexican, Latino and Chicano art. For more information, please visit: http://www.mexicanmuseum.org or call (415) 202-9700.
The Mexican Museum is open Wednesday - Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., located at Fort Mason Center, Building D, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, in San Francisco. FREE Admission. The Museum offers a wide variety of programs, including Family Sundays, exhibitions, special events, lectures and public programming throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Spanish classes for all levels are currently being offered for children and adults. For current class schedules and registration information go to http://www.mexicanmuseum.org
The Museum is currently preparing for the completion of its permanent home, which will be built in downtown San Francisco's Yerba Buena Arts District and is expected to be completed in 2017.
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