Executive Director Search

November 7, 2007

To the friends of the Computer History Museum:

After more than 7 years in the job, John Toole has decided to step down from his role as Executive Director and CEO of the Computer History Museum. John has contributed an enormous amount to this institution over his tenure, and the Board and I are very grateful for his leadership. Over this period, John has led the organization through its move to its permanent home in Mountain View, built an accomplished professional staff from a nucleus of just four people, managed the growth of the collection and creation of several exciting exhibits, and led the way on a significant endowment campaign. Having completed this work, John feels that it is a good time to transition to new opportunities.

Given this anticipated change, the Board has already begun a search for a new Executive Director. A search committee has been appointed to lead the search, and the committee has engaged the executive recruiting firm Russell Reynolds Associates to lead the process. The new Executive Director will be the new public face of the institution, and will represent the museum with the community, media, major donors and corporate partners. The successful candidate will be an institution-builder who can oversee the conception, design and construction of new physical and web-based exhibits that create a fully open public museum; manage the staff and operations on a day-to-day basis; and create and execute a plan for annual fund-raising and completion of the capital campaign.

Our search consultants have already begun to contact qualified candidates, and we also welcome on-line applications. For those who are interested, you may access the position specification and application instructions using the attached link.

John has graciously agreed to remain in his current role until the new Executive Director is appointed. The Board of Trustees and I are very grateful for his hard work, and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Yours sincerely, Leonard Shustek Chairman, Board of Trustees, Computer History Museum