Mark Heppner |
In today's fast-paced, dynamic environment, museums face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. From technological innovations to shifts in audience expectations, museums must adapt to stay relevant while preserving and delivering their core mission. This keynote will explore some strategies and approaches to navigate change, embrace digital transformation, foster community engagement, and drive sustainability. At the core, however, is our people and a different leadership model is needed to ensure success. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how museums can remain resilient, innovative, and impactful amidst an ever-changing landscape.
Mark is the President & CEO of Ford House, the historic estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford in Grosse Pointe Shores – a National Historic Landmark. Before assuming his current role, he was the Executive Director of Salisbury House & Gardens, an historic estate in Des Moines, Iowa. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of Museum Services Division at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, an AAM accredited historic house museum and gardens in Akron, Ohio. He received his B.A. at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio with a major in History and minors in Political Science and Anthropology. His M.A. degree comes from Cleveland State University where he majored in American History with specific focus in public history and archival research. Mark is a 2004 graduate of the Seminar for Historical Administration program and in 2006 he spent a month in Thailand as a participant of the AAM sponsored International Partnerships Among Museums program focused on cultural exchange and appreciation. He is a member of Rotary and has filled several community leadership roles. He is a board member of MotorCities National Heritage Area, currently serving as Chair, and is the president of the board of directors for the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce. A former board member of the Michigan Museums Association, he was recently honored with the 2022 President’s Award. Mark is very dedicated to local and state history, assisting museums and heritage organizations with various administrative and strategic museum/community-related issues. He resides in Hartland, Michigan with his wife and three children on a historic farm complete with horses, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, and a wide variety of poultry!