New director named at Steele County Historical Society
Jennifer Thiele
The Steele County Historical Society has a new leader.
Jennifer Thiele, who currently lives in Iowa, has been named the organization’s executive director. She replaces Kellen Hinrichsen, who resigned to join the United Way of Steele County last fall.
Thiele will be responsible for the operations and development of SCHS, including day-to-day management of staff, budget and communications. She will oversee strategic planning, outreach and fundraising efforts. In addition, she will lead marketing and community engagement initiatives to grow the organization and enhance its impact.
She brings more than eight years of experience in all facets of museum operations. Thiele currently serves as director of development at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Prior to that role, she was director of the Floyd County Historical Society and Museum in Charles City. She has also been on staff at Tillamook County Pioneer Museum in Oregon working as a cultural acquisitions educator, research historian and museum publications facilitator.
“Jennifer will be a wonderful asset,” said Samona Grubish, SCHS vice president and chair of the hiring committee. “Her nonprofit experience, love of history and educating people about history, as well as her passion for building strong community relationships really stood out during the interview process.”
Grubish said SCHS board members appreciate Thiele’s desire to continuously learn and keep updated on museum standards, nonprofit stewardship, tourism trends and social media.
“We feel very fortunate to be welcoming Jennifer and are confident that her strengths in museum management, long-term strategic planning, and grant writing, along with her financial management and budgeting experience, will lead SCHS successfully into the future,” Grubish said.
Thiele has actively served as a board member for several organizations, including the Garibaldi Maritime Museum, Charles City Chamber, Charles City Historic Preservation Commission and North Iowa Area Community College where she has been an instructor teaching classes on how to research, prepare, write and locate grant opportunities for nonprofits.
She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon where she majored in history and minored in women’s studies. Thiele has a master’s degree in American history from Southern New Hampshire University. Thiele will be relocating to Minnesota and begin her new role on May 1.