Wonders of Wildlife director to leave for Montana job

Schoonen has been hired as chief of staff for the Boone and Crockett Club in Missoula, Mont.

WOW’s Board of Directors will form a search committee to find a replacement.

WOW spokesman Gary Ellison said the board will meet in April to discuss the search process, and the position will then be advertised.

If a replacement is not found by Schoonen’s departure, Ellison said the museum’s staff might temporarily report to Chief Financial Officer Peggy Smith, who would keep the chairman of the board and executive committee advised.

“That could suffice for a while,” Ellison said. “If it looks like it will be a prolonged experience to find the right person, then an interim might be brought in, but that decision hasn’t been made yet.”

Schoonen was hired as executive director in March 2004.

The museum opened in late 2001 and has drawn fewer-than-expected visitors, though officials are working to bring on additional programs to generate revenue and pay down debt.

WOW’s financial condition has improved, with annual operating revenues between $2.3 million and $2.6 million since 2003.

“We have a strategic plan, better relations with the local community, traveling exhibits that engage our local folks are scheduled, plus national programs are in place that will draw visitors to Springfield,” Schoonen said in a news release. “All this we’ve accomplished as a great team of board (members), staff, volunteers and donors – a team that I feel honored to have joined.”

This story originally appeared in SBJ’s March 29 free breaking e-newsletter. Click here to register.