Kent, CT, September 30, 2014
— The Kent Historical Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Thomas as its new executive director. Marge Smith will continue her vital role as curator, while Thomas takes over the directorship.
Brian Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the position. He has been an executive speechwriter and editor at Merrill Lynch, Bear Stearns and Swiss Re. At Swiss Re, he spearheaded the company’s involvement in the Harvard Medical School’s “Climate Change Futures” project. He has also worked as a sustainability consultant on projects for Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Ernst & Young, Good Energies, and the New York City Panel on Climate Change.
A resident of Cornwall, CT, just up the road from Kent, he has served as president and treasurer of the Cornwall Association, and as a member of the Cornwall Conservation Commission. He also helped write the popular 2008 benefit event for the Cornwall Library, “Other People’s Mail,” performed by the late Jill Clayburgh and Sam Waterston.
A national search was conducted to find a new executive director for the Kent Historical Society. Marge Smith, who has served in the director role for 12 years, asked to change her position to curator and focus on the collections and archives. The Board of Directors interviewed a number of candidates before selecting Thomas.
“We are excited to have found Brian and he brings great energy and enthusiasm to this role,” said Lynn Mellis Worthington, president of the Kent Historical Society. “His administrative skills will be a tremendous asset to the organization, as we move forward with some major restoration on the Seven Hearths Museum and other capital projects.”
Thomas is delighted to have been named to this part-time position.
“This is an exciting post, and I’m pleased to join such an important advocate for conserving Kent’s past and making it better known,” Thomas said. “We have a vibrant board and an ambitious roster of important projects on the way, and I’m pleased to be a part of it.”
The Kent Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and present the rich history of Kent as well as to provide educational and research material to enrich the public understanding of Kent’s artistic and cultural heritage. Seewww.kenthistoricalsociety.org for information about the society and the town’s history.
For more information, contact Thomas at the Kent Historical Society at 860-927-4587 or via email at info@kenthistoricalsociety.org.