Jane Werner
Jane Werner, the Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, a local cultural gem, who is inspired by the connection between science and art as well as the co-education of children and families. The award-winning, LEED-certified museum delights and inspires children through “real stuff” experiences for play and learning. Named one of the nation’s top ten children’s museums by Parents Magazine in 2011 and recognized nationally for its work in the community, it offers a great regional example of where kids and families can find opportunities for wonder, exploration and action.
Jane has 31 years of museum experience, including 23 years at The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh where she served as Program Director, Deputy Director and currently Executive Director. She led The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s 2004 expansion, a $29M capital campaign that resulted in the first LEED certified children’s museum in the country with a Silver designation, the 2006 American Institute of Architects National Award and 2006 National Trust for Historic Preservation Award. This expansion led to the museum’s attendance growing from 83,000 to over 260,000 visitors per year. Under Jane’s leadership, the Museum has received awards including the 2009 National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for its work in the community, the Parents Magazine’s Top Ten children’s museums in the country in 2011, and was named one of five Magnetic Museums in the museum industry by American Alliance of Museums in 2013.
A graduate of Syracuse University, Jane currently is President of the Association of Children’s Museums. She sits on and is past president of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Board and New Hazlett Theater. She is on the advisory boards of the Maker Education Initiative, Carnegie Mellon University’s Studio for Creative Inquiry, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Forbes Fund, Kids and Creativity Working Group, Fred Rogers’ Center and Winchester Thurston School. Her awards include: ASTC’s 2007 Leading Edge Award for Experienced Leadership in the field, 2012 Westmoreland gold medal for Museum Leadership, 2012 YWCA Woman in the Arts Leadership Award, and she was named one of the Pittsburgh Businesswoman Leaders in 2013.