STEPHEN LONG

President, The Children’s Museum of the East End

With performances, exhibitions, and mini golf, this 7,000-squarefoot museum is an inviting, unintimidating institution with an almost tangible sense of fun. WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL: “You’ll find a real diversity of families, and everybody feels welcome,” Long says. “That’s something we’re really proud of, being that place that brings the entire community together.” GIVING BACK: “We spend a lot of our time going out into the community, bringing our mission of promoting learning through play,” he says. The outreach includes regular trips to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and the Retreat, a local organization that helps victims of domestic violence, as well as weekly programming at the Shinnecock Reservation.

HIS PERSONAL CONNECTION:

Long visits the museum with his two young children. “I’m sort of like Hair Club for Men: Not only am I the president, but I’m also a customer,” he jokes.

A UNIQUE JOB DESCRIPTION:

“I spend my time thinking about how kids can play. If you ask my elder son, ‘What does Daddy do?,’ he says, ‘He talks on the phone, and he plays.’ How is it possible that I get to play at work?”

FAMILY-FOCUSED FUND-

RAISER: In July the museum held its ninth annual Family Fair Fundraiser, featuring kidfriendly offerings like rides and games. “The whole idea grew out of families who said, It doesn’t make sense for a children’s museum to have a gala that doesn’t involve kids, so we should have a family day out,” Long says. 376 Bridgehampton-sag Harbor Tpk., Bridgehampton, 631-537-8250; cmee.org