Attendees: Robert Breunig (CEO), and staff, Susan Allison, Tracy Anderson, Sat Best, Ernie DeVries, Anne Doyle, Karen Enyedy, Ed Evans, Dave Gillette, Janet Gillette, Jennifer Glennon, Shirley Groenhout, Liz Gumerman, Elaine Hughes, Lindsay Hunt, Kalley Keams-Lucero, Katie Kieler, Kari Kohlhoff, Brian Kranzler, Lisa Lamberson, Marlene Lloyd, Theresa McHugh, Michele Mountain, Ted Neff, Dave Nelson, Marion Payne, Laura Rogers, Mary Swersey, Dianna Van Sanford, and Dave Wilcox.

The meeting was convened at 8:34 AM.

Robert presented MNA’s nine institutional goals. Following the presentation, staff members were invited to ask questions and give feedback:

Comment #1: MNA should frame “restore our good name” to be more positive and future-oriented, for example “build on our good name” (this suggestion received a general consensus from other staff).

Comment #2: Forward-thinking is good, but we do need to recognize our institutional history. New staff members need to be informed.

Comment #3: Didn’t we discuss sustainability as being an overarching goal? Is this going to be reflected in the plan?
Yes, sustainability is an essential part of MNA’s Institutional Plan and will be considered in the development of this document.

Comment #4: Why is “operate at the highest standards” number 9? That is very important, shouldn’t that be higher on the list.
There are several people who have viewed these goals in order of priority. And, it is true that the first three are of greatest concern. However, each is interdependent. That’s the problem with linear presentations like PowerPoint!

Comment #5: Maybe we could address high standards in a preamble, rather than placing it as a goal, because it applies to all of our practices.

Comment #6: I didn’t notice the library in any goal? Is that addressed?
Much is implied within the subheadings of the goals.The library will be addressed along with Collections. The management of the library and archives is debatable topic, and receiving due attention.

Comment #7: Will the “exhibits and educational programs” goal address visitors needs and public issues?
The Education Department is currently developing an Interpretive Philosophy, which will include an approach to audience and public programming.

Comment #8: Has there been any thought as to matching departmental goals? For instance, what if Marketing makes increasing large bus tours a high priority, but Education and the Tour Coordinator does not deem that a high priority? Shouldn’t we synchronize our goals and priorities?

That has not been addressed yet. Perhaps in the development of action-steps, Key Issue Committee Leaders can address that concern.

Comment #9: I have two comments, the first addresses affordable housing under Goal #6. This strategy is legitimate given the history and tradition of MNA, which has provided staff with housing for years in the form of apartments and cabins. Second, though related to a housing initiative, focuses on Goal #7. To develop partnerships within the research community, it would be beneficial to provide extended housing for visiting researchers. Harold Colton provided a model of such a system in his zoological station. Other research institutions could send their researchers for a fee, and they could stay on campus and use the Museum’s resources.

The Arboretum in Flagstaff is actually constructing such a facility with an NSF grant. The idea was presented to MNA and, at that time, the director turned it down. We need to change our attitude in that sense. We have to think about long-term viability and advantage of such projects and open a discussion with community partners, rather than turning them down immediately because of pressing current issues. An attitude of receptiveness is an important strategy.

Robert closed by thanking the staff for their participation in today’s meeting and emphasizing the ongoing and reflective process of Institutional Planning. A final draft of the Institutional Plan for MNA 2006-2001 will be developed concurrent to the AAM Self Study in August 2006, so over the next four months he called for full attention and support from staff in the development of this Plan and the completion of the AAM Self Study.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 AM.

Respectfully submitted,
Laura C. Rogers

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