Andrew S. Ackerman was the Laurie M. Tisch Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) for 29 years.  During that time, the Museum more than doubled its attendance and budget;  secured funding for influential exhibitions and programs; implemented city, state and nationwide outreach projects in early childhood health and literacy; and committed to welcome and give voice to diverse  communities. Major projects such as the nationally touring exhibition “America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far,” exhibitions about American Jazz and the cultures of Japan and China and contemporary arts shows all engaged community members in leadership roles. To reach into the community, the Museum installed health and learning “hubs” in 30 homeless shelters and Head Start Centers citywide. Each hub features permanent exhibitory, graphics and initial programs to foster healthy living and early literacy.

In late 2017, Ackerman successfully led the Museum’s effort to acquire 361 Central Park West as its new home, securing pledges for almost $50 million. The new site will double the amount of exhibition space and will accommodate more than twice the number of visitors than the current museum location.

Prior to his tenure at CMOM, Ackerman was the first full time director of the Arts in Education Program for the New York State Council on the Arts, working in partnership with the State Education Department. He authored new guidelines and oversaw the funding of hundreds of projects each year. From 1977 to 1986, Ackerman was the Associate Director of The Jewish Museum and Director of Education, where he oversaw all educational initiatives, curated exhibitions and administered international projects.

Andrew S. Ackerman is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Herbert H. Lehman College and earned a M.A. from the University of Michigan. He has served on the staff of archaeological excavations in Israel, published a book and numerous articles, delivered scores of conference speeches and appeared on national and local television.