When Board President The Rev. David Getreu, relocated to Circleville, Ohio, to minister St. Philips Episcopal Church, he knew he would need to reduce his many local community service commitments.
Father Dave, who also continues to work as a financial advisor at NBC Securities in Granville, has decided it's time to step down as president of the museum. He has served as President for two years.
He is proud of the progress the museum is making. “I wanted the board to work with the director and volunteers to bring life to the museum,” he said. “Museums are often viewed as just past history. I wanted this one to be alive with lots of activity and that’s what’s happening.”
Now in Granville only two days a week, Father Dave finds it challenging to keep up with his many volunteer commitments. He will continue to serve on the Hospice of Central Ohio board and the HOCC Foundation, but is cutting back elsewhere. Getreu is past president of the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce, Granville Kiwanis and a member of numerous other local charities and organizations over his past 10 years in Licking County.
He praises RHM Director Ann Lowder for her long-term commitment to RHM. “It’s been a joy to work with Ann. She is so well versed about museums and what they can do with years of experience shining through. I’ve enjoyed my work with her and the museum.”
And as planned and unexpected change occurs in the life of an organization, the Robbins Hunter Museum finds three new members joining the board.
John Hicks, CPA, CFE, brings accounting experience to the board as treasurer, replacing Michael Harris, CPA, who served since 2010. Hicks owns Promero Consulting,LLC, a tax and accounting firm located in Johnstown, Ohio. He is also an adjunct instructor at Columbus State Community College.
“I have a passion for genealogy and greatly enjoy the history of the museum,” Hicks said. “I hope to accomplish increased brevity, accuracy and timeliness of financial information.”
Jeanne Bolton, a retired teacher of history, will work in program development. Her past experience includes partnering with public and non-profit agencies, assessing, initiating, and implementing community services and programs. She also served 23 years in government and as an elected official.
“The RHM is a gifted legacy to our community, reminding us of the visions of past generations and to spark the imagination of future generations.” Bolton said. “It is my hope to spark the imagination of museum visitors through engaging programming.”
Joining the fundraising and friendraising contingent at RHM is Lucy Potter from Columbus. Lucy brings many years of experience in the non-profit world to the RHM board.
She is active in organizations in both Licking and Franklin Counties. She is past president of the board at Ballet Met board and of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Historical Society, where she is also an emeritus member.
She currently serves on the boards of Dawes Arboretum, the Crested Butte Music Festival, and is a member of the Little Garden Club of Columbus.
“I admire the progress at the museum,” she said. “It seems that so much is happening in a positive way.”