Museum names new development director

Mid-America Science Museum announced Thursday in a news release Donna Jared has been named director of development.

“I’m so excited to be back in Arkansas and have the opportunity to join the team at Mid-America Science Museum. I’m looking forward to meeting the Museum’s friends and supporters and help strengthen and grow our educational opportunities for children and families in the community,” Jared said in the release.

Jared is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program and a certified fundraising executive. She is returning to Arkansas from Fort Collins, Colo., where she worked as executive director at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Prior to that, Jared worked for Heifer International in Little Rock, the release said.

“We are thrilled to have Donna at the museum, her previous experience with non-profit fundraising and her knowledge about science museums makes her an excellent addition to our wonderful staff we have here at Mid-America Science Museum,” Diane LaFollette, executive director at Mid-America Science Museum, said in the release.

Mid-America Science Museum continues celebrating its 40th anniversary with special events and exhibits planned throughout the year. Currently the museum is planning its next event, Summer Science Smash presented at the museum by Alliance Rubber Company, from

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24. Call 501-767-3461 or visit http://www.midamericamuseum.org for more information.