For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Susan Daly (401-848-5777, ext 220 / sdaly@iyrs.org)
Cynthia Goss (203-453-2731 / media@iyrs.org)

Chris Cox Joins Management Team at IYRS and the Museum of Yachting

Cox Arrives at Critical Time of Planning at the Museum

Newport (R.I.) October 3, 2008 — Chris Cox, who has an extensive background as a senior manager in the non-profit sector, joins the management team of the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) and the Museum of Yachting, effective immediately. As vice president, Cox will serve as director of the Museum of Yachting and head of development for both organizations. An avid sailor, Cox's background includes management positions at the Wadsworth Atheneum (Hartford, Conn.) and Mystic Seaport (Mystic, Conn.).

Cox arrives at a critical time of planning at the Museum of Yachting. The Museum and IYRS converged in 2007. A year later, the initial goals of joining the two organizations have been achieved, including facilities upgrades at the Museum's home at Ft. Adams State Park and new exhibitions for 2008. But, "The Museum's transformation is still ahead of us," notes Terry Nathan, president of IYRS and the Museum.

According to Smith’s Master Index of Maritime Museum Websites, there are over 600 maritime museums in North America. This great population coupled with the fact that museums in general are facing dwindling audiences makes this future chapter for the Museum of Yachting both a great challenge—and a great opportunity.

"The joining of IYRS and the Museum has created a unique opportunity for transformational leadership," said Nathan. "Our challenge is to make the Museum relevant to both our school and to the wider public, and to strengthen the organization's sustainability. Chris Cox arrives at the right time, with the right experience, to help craft a new future."

Cox has an extensive background in museum management and the non-profit world—as a senior manager, board member, and advisor to a number of organizations. "The job here at IYRS and the Museum, in many ways, is a summation of all my past experience," said Cox. "I am delighted to be here."

Cox's staff positions include 8 years at the Wadsworth Atheneum, followed by 15 years at Mystic Seaport, where he served as vice president for development and communications, and his most recent post as a director with the Connecticut Humanities Council. Cox also worked as interim director at the Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth, Mass.), and has served as an advisor to organizations such as Connecticut Public Broadcasting, Aid to Artisans, and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum (Mashantucket, Conn.). He was also involved with establishing the Amistad Foundation at the Wadsworth Atheneum, and with the building of the Freedom Schooner Amistad at Mystic Seaport.

For more information on IYRS and its educational programs, visit www.iyrs.org. For more on the Museum of Yachting, visit www.moy.org.