Gordon Dow of Children’s Museum of Sonoma County wins Nonprofit Leadership Award
Describe your organization.
The mission of the Children's Museum of Sonoma County (CMOSC) is to inspire children's creativity and stimulate their curiosity to discover the world through playful exploration of the arts and sciences. To support this mission, CMOSC welcomes visitors to play, explore and learn at its campus in Santa Rosa.
When families visit CMOSC, they can create art projects in Ella's Art Studio, imagine themselves as a doctor, dentist, or construction worker, play outside in Mary's Garden, all while enjoying a safe, enriching environment. Additionally, CMOSC actively participates in our greater community by providing art & science enrichment programs with the Museum-on-the-Go and Kidsworks Creative Workshops at Friedman's Home Improvement Center.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A strong work ethic was imbued in me while growing up on a farm in the central valley of California. That coupled with a degree in pharmacy, led me to becoming a pharmaceutical researcher and entrepreneur in the North Bay – a place I loved but where there was little of my industry. My career was a huge part of my life until I retired, and then I looked for something meaningful to do, and began focusing on giving back to the community. The high spot in my charitable and volunteer activities has been my experience at the Children's Museum of Sonoma County over the past 7 years, first as a founding seed donor, then co-chair of the capital campaign and currently as a board member. It has been gratifying to be part of the creation and operation of this wonderful resource that will be enduring over the decades for families throughout the North Bay. I have made many acquaintances and friends through my association with the Museum.
Aside from working with non-profits, I enjoy travel, fishing, hiking, reading, gardening, time with friends, and especially time with family including a daughter, 2 sons, 2 stepdaughters, and 6 grandchildren (and one more coming soon). Living in North Bay by definition means I love our robust food and wine scene. Retirement allows me to just putter around, seeming busy but not doing much that can be quantitated.
What is your role in the organization?
Formerly the Co-Chair of Capital Campaign, and currently member of the board.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Helping get the funding that built the Children's Museum of Sonoma County – an institution that will serve families of the North Bay for many generations by cultivating curiosity, the love of learning and collaborative problem-solving through play in a magical indoor-outdoor hands-on “museum” for young kids.
What is your biggest challenge today?
Given the instant success of the Children's Museum, the biggest challenge is preparing for and managing growth and expansion to serve the community and region over the next several decades.
What is the next major project either under way or on the horizon?
The next major challenge is attaining the dream that ALL children have the opportunity to experience the Children's Museum. And expanding the Museum's facilities as the need for what the children's museum uniquely offers grows in our community.
What motivates you to volunteer your time and talent?
The impact the museum experience has on young kids – getting them off on the right foot in education through fun self-directed learning that does not involve iPhones and other electronic devices.
How do you think the role of the board member will change in the next five years?
The role of the board member should be fairly constant.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I look forward to helping the Children's Museum of Sonoma County achieve the goals laid out in its five-year strategic plan.
QUICK TAKES
Most admired businessperson outside your organization: Don Green
Current reading: “Four Fish” by Paul Greenberg
Most want to meet: Jimmy Carter
Stress relievers: Retirement
Favorite hobbies: fishing, especially fly-fishing
Social media you most use: None
Buzz word from your industry you hate the most: I like all the buzz words of retirement.
Words that best describe you: Community minded and determined
