| Virginia City, Nevada – The Historic Fourth Ward School Foundation is pleased to welcome Ms. Nora Stefu, MA., as our new Executive Director. Ms. Stefu began her new position on July 15, 2020, and we expect great things from her as she moves forward. Ms. Stefu’s educational background and experience ensures that she is an excellent fit for the future of the museum. She earned her Master’s Degree in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management from Colorado State University LEAP Institute in 2019. Ms. Stefu attributes many of her influences to her bicultural Greek-American heritage, which is easily understood by her contributions in Greece, as well as her hometown of Reno, Nevada. For the past two decades, her international collaborations across Europe have included developing programs in partnership with cultural heritage organizations, art foundations, and local communities. For six years she was the Assistant Director at the Skopelos Folklore Museum, in Greece, where her focus was on the preservation and restoration of a historic 1790’s building which housed the museum. As the Program Manager for the Skopelos International Film Festival for Youth, she was responsible for overseeing the operations of this fast-paced international arts and culture exchange program that included over 120 students of various ages and numerous filmmakers and artists from around the world. In terms of her educational background, Ms. Stefu completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Nevada Reno, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and Political Science. During her graduate studies, Ms. Stefu’s vision for strategic direction in community engagement projects includes her work with Anderson Elementary School, in partnership with Washoe County School District’s TEAM UP after school program. She created creative recreational and learning activities for participating students to assist in developing their self-expression, socialization, and communication skills. The vision and passion that she brings to her new Executive Director position is evident in her contemporary views and ideas for the direction of the museum. When speaking of her new position Ms. Stefu said: “I am thrilled and honored to be a part of safeguarding this majestic monument, and preserving the heritage of the Comstock story and Virginia City with an innovative approach.” Margo Memmott, President of the Fourth Ward School Museum Board of Directors, says the board is excited for the next chapter of the Fourth Ward School Museum. “Ms. Stefu has tremendous energy and will build on the successes of our previous Executive Directors (Lara Mather and Barbra Mackey). I love her commitment to community engagement, her passion for cultural heritage, and her vision for historic preservation in our modern world. The Fourth Ward School Museum has found a leader in Ms. Stefu and I’m excited to support her and her vision.” |