Betsy Bowers brings a strong audience oriented focus to REX—Rountables for EXecutives. Her experience with boards, administrators, private schools, museum educators, social services and diverse audiences emphasizes communications essential to an organization's success. In her work with non profits, she is people oriented and strives to support organizational strength through observation, discussion and balance. Various leadership positions over a 20 year period provide the foundation for her analysis and interpretation of complex issues related to the running of an effective organization. Bowers' work ethic was defined in the late 1970's as she served as a campfire cook for an outfitter in Montana. Multi-day horse pack trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness taught her the necessity to plan ahead, prepare carefully, remain flexible, take initiative, use ingenuity, think creatively and convey confidence. In 1980, a position with the China Exhibition Corporation established an appreciation for the impact and importance objects play in the understanding of a culture and its people. In 1986, serving as a docent for a museum in North Carolina afforded Bowers the opportunity for hands-on exposure to collections, exhibit preparation and tear down, programs and visitor experiences. Years of teaching developed skills in collaboration, facilitation, communication and problem solving. During eight years with the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) based in the National Museum of American History, she worked with numerous departments within the Smithsonian Institution to ensure successful experiences for SEEC teachers, students, families and visitors. The Maryland Association for the Education of Young Children provided experience with volunteer boards, delegation, state wide constituent communication, effective decision making and public policy. Attaining her undergraduate degree was valuable lesson in persistence and resourcefulness as she attended universities in Montana, Ohio, North Carolina and Arizona as a military wife. Excelsior College in Albany, New York compiled accumulated credits, identified outstanding criteria and finally awarded a B.A. in Liberal Arts in 1987. Fifteen years later, Bowers pursued her long time dream to attend George Washington University where she earned a Masters degree in 2003. Currently, she finds working independently pushes her to continuously assess her professional strengths, philosophies and values. Bowers' affinity for life long learning experiences is reflected in her career choice with museums and other non profit organizations. Her love for non traditional educational settings grew out of her mother's innate desire to continuously create meaningful experiences and excursions for family and friends. Her interest in collections and objects evolved as she came to value her mother's skill as an artist who created pottery, textiles and watercolors which today have become a central part of her 1904 District of Columbia home's decorating scheme. Education The George Washington University, Washington, DC, M.A.T. (Museum Education), 2003. Excelsior College, Albany, NY, B.A. (Liberal Studies - Art history, English literature), 1987. Experience Associate, Qm², Washington, DC. (2003 - Present) Analyze non profit organizational structures and effectiveness. Facilitate change. Focus on socially responsible museum practice. Design and implement educational programs and museum guides for all age audiences. Clients include Sackler Gallery of Art, National Gallery of Art, National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Learning and Leadership in Families and the National Museum of the US Army. Adult Education Consultant, Self Employed, Bethesda, MD. (1996-present) Plan and present workshops. Topics include: Transitions with Young Children, Montgomery Child Care Association (MCCA), Wheaton, MD. (2002) Learning Through Objects: Museums and Young Children, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC), Smithsonian Institution (SI), Washington, DC. (1996-2001) Curriculum Development and Lesson Planning, Senate Child Care Center, Washington, DC. (1999) Museum Education and Curriculum Consultant, Self Employed, Bethesda, MD. (1992-2003) Trained early childhood educators. Developed curriculum materials. Researched, planned and conducted museum, community and classroom activities. Advised museum education departments of early childhood program development. Clients included the Corcoran Gallery of Art, SEEC, and Techno-Kids Interactive. Assistant Director, SEEC, SI, Washington, DC. (1994-1996) Supervised day to day operations of museum based preschool. Provided leadership in conflict resolution, parent relations, child development, curriculum planning and use of museum resources. Maintained records for program operations. Interviewed employee candidates. Briefed incoming personnel on policies and procedures. Presented performance reviews. Museum Education Specialist, SEEC, SI, Washington, DC. (1992-1999) Trained museum professionals and early childhood educators in basic principles of age appropriate object based learning as part of Smithson Grant Project. Conducted teacher and parent workshops, meetings and seminars. Developed new program position. Researched, wrote and directed age appropriate education programs for young children based on museum exhibits and community resources. Collaborated on projects with: National Museum of Natural History, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Museum of American Art and the Smithsonian Institution's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Professional Activities / Organizational Affilliations (Past and Present) American Association of Museums Mid Atlantic Association of Museums Ohio Museums' Association Visitor Studies Association Museum Education Roundtable National Association for the Education of Young Children Maryland Community Association for the Education of Young Children, Vice President Maryland Association for the Education of Young Children, Newsletter Editor Leadership 2000 Representative, MCCA Logan Circle Community Association