CLAYTON,
New York (September 12, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s
premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today
the addition of Christopher T. Lytle as Senior Advancement Officer and Rebecca
L. Hopfinger as Director of Advancement.
Lytle brings more than 35 years of experience as a senior
staff member or consultant to premier not-for-profit organizations, including
Rotary International and the National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards. His expertise in campaign planning and design, program management,
major gifts, institutional grants, as well as sponsorship and cause marketing,
will be instrumental to the Museum. In addition to leading overall fundraising
efforts, Lytle will focus on developing key partnerships and relationships with
philanthropists, foundations, and corporations that support the ABM’s growth
strategies.
A graduate of Mercyhurst College, with post-graduation
certifications from Adelphia University and New York University, Lytle resides
with his wife, Laurie, in Seneca Falls, NY, where he serves as a Board member
of the Finger Lakes Boating Museum.
Hopfinger was recently asked to return to the Museum following
a five-year hiatus during which she was Executive Director of the Thousand
Islands Arts Center (TIAC), also based in Clayton. Her professional career
began with the ABM as curator in 1996, following graduation from Syracuse
University with a Master’s in Museum Studies. In 2004, she was promoted to
Director of Development & Curator of Special Exhibits before departing in
2008 to later join TIAC.
In her new role at the ABM, Hopfinger will oversee the
Museum’s successful Friends of the Museum program, its general
membership, and further fundraising activities.
Hopfinger, who is currently pursuing a certificate in
fundraising management from the Indiana University/Purdue University Institute
for Fundraising, resides in Clayton and serves as a Board member of the Clayton
Local Development Corporation and the Clayton Chamber of Commerce.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Rebecca back to the ABM
and to have Chris join our organization. As our new advancement and fundraising
team, they will lead our efforts to build awareness and support for the ABM as
we develop new audiences and markets,” said Frederick H. “Fritz” Hager,
Executive Director.
Lytle and Hopfinger join Christine S. Brown, Advancement
Associate, to form the ABM’s new Office of Advancement.
Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the
Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic
boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In August 2014, the
Museum will host the 50th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the
longest running show in North America. For more information please visit the
Museum’s website at ABM.org.
