SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (March 19, 2024) – Above and Beyond Children’s Museum (ABCM) appoints non-profit executive and local community member Catherine (Cate) Tinker as executive director. In her role, Tinker will carry on with the museum’s mission starting on April 8, 2024.
In the executive director role, Tinker will engage the community in supporting museum initiatives and build creative educational partnerships in accordance with the museum’s mission. Working alongside a passionate team of associates, board members and volunteers, she will manage museum fundraising, grant writing, marketing, human resources, operations, and strategic planning.
“We have so many incredible non-profit resources for children in our community, and I look forward to furthering connections with the families, members, volunteers, and supporters that I have met over my more than ten years in Sheboygan,” said Tinker. “I am thrilled to join the team at Above and Beyond Children’s Museum and to further the mission of the organization!”
Tinker has dedicated her career to non-profit education and administration with a focus on inquiry-based learning through play. In her most recent role, Tinker served as the director of education and community programming at Bookworm Gardens (2016-March 2024), She oversaw the planning, implementation and evaluation of more than 30 programs for learners of all ages. Highlights of her time at Bookworm Gardens include:
– a national collaboration with Little Free Library through the Read in Color Program,
– the creation of a nature-based 3K preschool program and
– over one million dollars raised to support the organization’s mission.
She received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Educational Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program through the State University of New York at Oneonta. In addition to her work, she serves on the board of directors at the Riveredge Nature Center (2016-present) and was active in the Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival planning committee (2013-2019).
Tinker has called Sheboygan home since 2013 and loves to garden, thrift home decor and go on walks with her husband (Patrick) and daughters (Phoebe and Harriet).
“Cate is a highly respected leader in our community with an impressive array of knowledge and experience. We are excited to work with her in moving the museum to a new and exciting future,” said Tim Saeger, board president of Above & Beyond Children’s Museum and financial advisor of Thrivent Financial.
Preceding Tinker was Jackie Erdman who served as executive director of ABCM for three years. Erdman is currently serving as interim development director at Habitat for Humanity Lakeside as she continues to pursue her professional goals while prioritizing her young family. Please find Erdman’s resignation announcement here: https://docs.google.com/
Support! Above & Beyond Children’s Museum seeks donations for various needs including funds to operate and in support of new and current programming and outreach initiatives. Donations can be made by visiting www.abkids.org, by calling (920) 458-4263, or via mail to Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, 902 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081. Volunteers are also welcome!
Follow us! For more information on Above & Beyond Children’s Museum visit www.abkids.org. Stay up-to-date with museum announcements, events and programming on Facebook at ABKIDS and Instagram at aboveandbeyondchildrensmuseum.
Visit! Above & Beyond Children’s Museum Hours Of Operation
Open Tuesday through Saturday 9am-4pm and Sundays 9am-3pm*
*Members-only Sundays from 9-11am
Playground hours daily 6am-11pm
Admission is $8 and memberships are available starting at $90.
