‘If something needs to get done he makes it happen’
Monroe. Museum Village announces the retirement of executive director Michael Sosler.
Monroe /
| 26 Jul 2021 | 08:24
In 2015, Museum Village paid tribute to Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. at the museum’s sixth annual gala for its support that helped re-open the Energy Building, one of the museum’s largest exhibits, featuring some of the collection’s largest and most unusual artifacts. Museum Village, of course, was the vision of Roscoe Smith, a local businessman and philanthropist, who, in 1905, started an electric utility company, Orange and Rockland Electric Company of Monroe. Pictured at the 2015 gala are: Museum Village Board of Trustees Secretary Cindi Vasta, O&R President and CEO Tim Cawley, Museum Village Executive Director Michael Sosler, and volunteer consulting engineer Bill Lemanski. Sosler will retired as the museum’s executive director in September after a decade on the job. File photo.
As September approaches, Museum Village is getting ready to welcome hundreds of school children as it has every year (over 1.5 million over 72 years). As the museum prepares to greet new classes and the leaves start to change, there will be some other important changes at the museum.
Museum Village Executive Director Michael Sosler will be retiring after more than 10 years of tireless work and dedication to this vital cultural and historical Hudson Valley resource.
In its press release announcing the retirement, museum officials wrote:
“Michael has been committed to the museum as well as it’s staff and many volunteers. As Mike prepares to retire, the board celebrates his tenure and work on behalf of the museum and looks forward to bring on leadership that will continue Mike’s tradition of constantly working to improve relationships with the community, improving existing programs, creating new and innovative events, caring for the grounds and protecting our collection in the best way possible given our limited resources.”
Sosler is a former award-winning NBC Universal Media Operations Director with extensive experience in operations, finance and budgeting with strong management skills and team leadership.
“Mike stepped into a challenging position and dedicated himself to work for the museum’s benefit,” Board President Paul Campanella said in the press release. “He and his team have increased museum attendance to their highest level in 15 years, always seeking to improve our attendees’ experience.
“There is no job that is too big or too small,” Campanella added. “If something needs to get done he makes it happen. He has also maintained a strong working relationship with many individuals in the local community and garnered great support from his staff and many volunteers.
“The board wishes Mike and his wife Grace a long and fulfilling retirement. Thank you, Mike.”
The board has initiated a search for an executive director.