Marsha L. Semmel

Marsha Semmel is an independent consultant working with cultural and educational organizations on leadership development, strategic planning, and partnerships. She published Partnership Power: Essential Museum Strategies for Today’s Networked World in 2019. She is currently co-editing a new volume, Seize the Moment: How Museums Can Prepare for the Post-Pandemic Age, to be published in 2021.

Semmel is Adjunct Faculty at the Bank Street College Graduate School of Education’s Leadership in Museum Education Program. From 2003-13, she was Director for Strategic Partnerships, Deputy for Museum Services, and Acting Director at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). At the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for 12 years, Semmel concluded her service as Director, Division of Public Programs. She has been President /CEO of Conner Prairie, a history museum near Indianapolis; President/CEO of the Women of the West Museum in Denver; and Chair of the Arlington County Commission for the Arts. Semmel’s current board service also includes the Council of American Jewish Museums.