National Building Museum Hires Director Emeritus Of Smithsonian

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Building Museum has added Brent D. Glass, director emeritus of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, as interim executive director following the retirement of former executive director Chase W. Rynd in June.

Rynd, the institution’s fourth and longest-serving executive director for 17 years, has been named executive director emeritus. It is the first time such an honor has been bestowed by the National Building Museum. Glass will lead the institution as it conducts its 40th Anniversary Campaign fundraising effort and works toward a safe reopening.

“I am delighted to lead the National Building Museum during a time of major transition,” said Glass in a statement. “The museum has an outstanding 40-year history of innovative exhibits and programs, and it occupies one of the nation’s architectural treasures. This is a great honor and opportunity for me.”

Since 2012, Glass has served as a consultant to more than 70 cultural and educational institutions on management issues such as executive recruitment, governance, fundraising and strategic planning. Among his current projects, he is directing the development of the proposed Sing Sing Prison Museum in Ossining, New York, and serves as senior advisor to the National History Academy based in Middleburg, Va.

As director of the National Museum of American History (2002–2011) Glass led a two-year, $120 million renovation and the development of major exhibitions, including the Star-Spangled Banner and permanent galleries on transportation, military and maritime history. The museum now features innovative public programs, living history performances and new theaters for films, lectures and concerts.