Michelle Jenkins has been appointed executive director of the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum, the Museum’s Board announced today.

Jenkins has served as interim executive director since January and was the Museum Board’s top choice for executive director following an extensive search.

"Michelle has been committed to making the Museum a resource for children and families since joining us in January 2008 to lead our fundraising efforts," said SLOCM Board President Allison Alltucker. "The Board is extremely pleased that Michelle will continue to guide and shape the Museum."

Jenkins championed the Museum’s new pricing and membership structure in her interim role, adding new options and reducing pricing for the general public, seniors and military families as well as schools. Jenkins was also instrumental in establishing a reciprocal membership benefit so members have the opportunity to access for free 173 other Children’s Museums across the United States. 

"It's amazing to have this caliber of Museum in our community. My focus right now is on partnerships since I believe they are a fantastic way to reach more children and families. We recently partnered with the Autism Spectrum Center, Cal Poly and the Young Professionals Networking Group and each event was a huge success," Jenkins said. "I’m also discovering past and present visitor favorites and finding ways to enhance the Museum, including rebuilding the popular Big Bubble exhibit."

Jenkins and her husband, Gregg, are both graduates of Cal Poly and live on a ranch in Creston. They have four children who grew up with the “old” Children’s Museum. Before joining the Museum, Jenkins served as Director of Corporate Relations for the Cal Poly College of Engineering.

Museum board and staff invite everyone to "Dig In!" this summer and discover "What’s Growing, What’s Cooking, and What’s Gross" through exciting exhibit additions, programs and activities. The Museum is located at 1010 Nipomo Street in downtown San Luis Obispo.

For current exhibits, activities, programs and hours visit www.slocm.org.