The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation has a varied and dedicated full-time and part-time staff, with backgrounds in museums, education, history, communications, preservation, and design. Read below for role descriptions, staff biographies, and contact information.
©Ted Brummond, UW Photo Services
The Executive Director oversees the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, representing the organization on a national and international stage, managing the staff, and coordinating with the Heart Mountain Board of Directors. She spearheads our grant writing and implementation and collaborates with all departments to ensure consistent policy and communications, sound museum practice, and general operations that live up to the Foundation’s mission.
©Akiko Photo
The Deputy Director focuses on the museum aspect of the Foundation, including our education, public, and member outreach efforts and planning our annual Pilgrimage. She oversees and coordinates with the Director of Interpretation & Preservation, Collections Manager, Education Manager, and Membership & Development Manager.
The Director of Operations oversees the financial operations of the Foundation and general running of the buildings and facilities including the Interpretive Center and other structures around the Heart Mountain site.
The Director of Communications & Strategy focuses on projects produced through the Mineta-Simpson Institute, coordinates with the Executive Director on grants, and collaborates with the Graphic Design & Brand Manager on the magazine, marketing and general communications strategies.
The Director of Interpretation & Preservation handles exhibit planning and creation, public programming, and monitoring the status of the historic buildings.
The Collections Manager oversees the care and preservation of the Foundation’s collections, coordinates traveling exhibits, and assists in the creation of in-house exhibits.
The Project Specialist works across the organization to support and maintain critical parts of team function and provides assistance in special projects, events, and visitor services.
The Membership & Development Manager handles donations, fundraising, and member relations, and manages Pilgrimage event registration.
The Governance & Leadership Coordinator supports the Executive Director and the Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, liaising between the two entities and collaborating on event planning, enabling communications and operations of the Foundation.
The Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator introduces Japanese culture to the local community through cultural workshops and activities to deepen their understanding of Japan and the cultural heritage of Japanese Americans.
The Education Manager oversees Heart Mountain’s education and outreach programs, leading in-person and virtual school groups, coordinates our annual educator workshops, and ensuring that our educational materials and messaging follow best practices and reflect the Foundation’s mission.
The Graphic Design & Brand Manager oversees and creates visual communication materials related to the Foundation and Interpretive Center, including the magazine, Kokoro Kara, the website, and all marketing, fundraising, exhibit, and event materials.
The Historic Site Caretaker maintains the grounds, monitors our historic structures, and leads guided tours of the barrack, hospital complex, memorial honor park, and guard tower in the summer season.
The Community Projects Specialist develops and maintains relationships with neighbors surrounding the Heart Mountain site to facilitate the preservation of the land and to enhance partnerships and dialogues with the local community.
Visitor Services
Our Visitor Services staff welcome visitors to the Interpretive Center, providing a comprehensive introduction to the history of Heart Mountain & the Japanese American incarceration, and the museum & historic site layout.