Hanstad named to top museum post
by Lenny Roberts

Rae Hanstad said her new job as executive director of the Ojai Valley Museum will not be in conflict with her elected position as Ojai City Councilwoman, and is excited about taking on the position vacated by Robin Sim. She will take over the reins June 12.
"Rae is the perfect person for this job because of her keen interest in the museum and the history of the Ojai Valley," Sim said. "She's familiar with the workings of the museum through her position on the collections committee."
Sim, the museum's executive director since November 1999, has been hired by Marine Project Management, of Ojai, as a project manager. She leaves a legacy of helping to raise substantial funds for operating the museum and its exhibits, and a great working experience with museum volunteers.
"It's very fortunate that the city of Ojai has faith in the museum board and its volunteers to grant us a one-time stipend last year" Sims said. "Also, the community has always supported the museum and Mrs. Jimmi Clapp gave us a $50,000 donation."
Sim agreed that a contributing factor to her being hired for the job in 1999 was her ability to raise funds, but would not accept credit for the museum's success during her tenure.
"I'm not directly responsible for raising the money. It was a team effort, and we could not have done it without the volunteers, many of whom are from Help of Ojai," she said.
"We have such a fine group of volunteers. They're like family members and I will miss them tremendously. I hope to come back as a volunteer when Rae tells me what she'd like me to do."
Hanstad, a museum volunteer for the past year, said she doesn't remember ever not wanting the job of museum's executive director.
"I think I'm going to follow in Robin's footsteps and spend a lot of time getting to know all the volunteers and talking with the community about the museum," she said.
Hanstad confirmed that she will not be leaving her seat on the City Council, and has conferred with City Attorney Monte Widders about a possible conflict of interest issue.
"Almost every issue that comes before the council relates back to Ojai's cultural heritage and tradition, and this is where it's all kept," she said.
The last time around, Hanstad was runner-up to Sim. Monday, Hanstad described Sim as the better candidate of the two, to which Sim replied, "I think it's wonderful that you got the job."

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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