BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A woman with years of experience at The National Museum of Industrial History has been chosen as its new executive director.
Andria Zaia, who joined NMIH as curator of collections in 2016, was appointed to the top position by the museum's Board of Directors, according to a release.
She had been serving as interim executive director since Kara Mohsinger, the museum's chief executive officer since 2017, stepped down in August to become chief financial officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
“We are excited to embark upon the next chapter in the Museum’s evolution and have the utmost confidence in Andria’s leadership and expertise.”Board Chairman L. Charles Marcon in the release
“We are excited to embark upon the next chapter in the Museum’s evolution and have the utmost confidence in Andria’s leadership and expertise,” Board Chairman L. Charles Marcon said in the release.
Zaia has a graduate degree in anthropology from New Mexico Highlands University and a bachelor's degree from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
With a background in collections management, education, exhibit curation and community partnerships, Zaia has worked in a variety of museum environments for more than 20 years, according to the release.
Prior to joining NMIH, Zaia was curator of collections and archives at the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society.
“It is an honor to be working with brilliant colleagues, board members, and community partners during this incredible time of growth for the organization."New NMIH chief Andria Zaia in a release
There she played an integral role in designing the Sigal Museum, according to the release.
Zaia also is a professor of anthropology at Northampton Community College and Moravian University and specializes in textile manufacturing.
“It is an honor to be working with brilliant colleagues, board members, and community partners during this incredible time of growth for the organization,” Zaia said in the release.
Leadership was sought
The museum, which is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, launched the public search for a new executive director on Dec. 1.
The museum is in the former Bethlehem Steel electrical department.
The job description said the museum sought applicants who can provide leadership, strategic direction, administrative management and fundraising and stakeholder stewardship to fulfill NMIM's mission.
In February, NMIH was awarded $500,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of its infrastructure and capacity building challenge grant.
The funding stream is focused on capital projects, including the construction of an open-air space that can be rented out for private parties, weddings and other meetings and conventions.
The grant money, plus other funding, also will be used to renovate the second floor of the museum, which will double the size of the space.
