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Henry Ford Official Appointed to National Museum and Library Board

Chief Learning Officer Paula Gangopadhyay was appointed to the position serving the Institute of Museum and Library Services this month.

The Henry Ford's Chief Learning Officer, Paula Gangopadhyay, joined seven other officials sworn in this month as members of the National Museum and Library Services Board.

Members were appointed to serve by President Barack Obama and sworn in Nov. 15 by Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

The board is the advisory body for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Members of the board include the director and deputy directors of IMLS and 20 members of the general public who have demonstrated expertise in, or commitment to, library or museum services. Informed by its collectively vast experience and knowledge, the board advises the IMLS director on general policy and practices, and on selections for the National Medals for Museum and Library Service.

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“I am delighted to welcome Ms. Paula Gangopadhyay to the board," IMLS Director Susan Hildreth said in a statement. "Through her service she will help libraries and museums throughout the United States contribute to the educational, cultural and civic life of our nation. Ms. Gangopadhyay is a well-recognized expert and we are looking forward to having her strategic advice to strengthen IMLS’s grant making, research and policy advisory roles.”

Gangopadhyay's position includes leadership and strategy efforts regarding institutional education and learning initiatives at The Henry Ford, which includes The Henry Ford museum, Greenfield Village, Benson Ford Research Center, Ford Rouge Factory tour, IMAX, and the Henry Ford Academy.

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She has held a variety of positions in education and arts policy, including:

  • Executive director of the Plymouth Community Arts Council from 2006 to 2008
  • Curator of Education, Public Programs, Visitor Services and Volunteers at the Public Museum of Grand Rapids from 2002 to 2006
  • Executive director of the Great Lakes Center for Education, Research and Practice from 2000 to 2001

Gangopadhyay has also served as a member of many state and national boards, including the Michigan Humanities Council. She received her B.A. and M.A. from Indore University, her post-graduate certification in archival, museum, and editing studies from Duquesne University and an education policy fellowship from the Institute of Education Policy.

For more information about the National Museum and Library Services Board visit the Institute’s website at www.imls.gov/about/board.shtm.

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