Naomi Gerakios Mucci, director of historic properties for Clemson University, has completed the American Association for State and Local History’s Executive Insight Circle program, a leadership development program for directors and chief executives of history organizations and institutions.
Mucci was one of 12 leaders from history museums, historical societies and other institutions across the country who were selected for the inaugural cohort of the program.
The cohort met monthly for workshops and discussions on a variety of topics, from identifying values and creating personal vision statements to budgeting and finance to media relations. In between the monthly meetings, participants held one-on-one meetings with each other to talk about challenges they were facing and share ideas. Mucci said this network building was one of the most valuable aspects of the program.
“The biggest thing I took away from this experience is that history practitioners and museum professionals across the country are broadly facing a lot of similar challenges, and while you might feel isolated, there are other people out there experiencing similar issues,” she said. “Because of this experience, I feel like I have a network where I can pick up the phone and reach out for advice and ideas.”
Mucci, who came to Clemson in 2024, provides leadership, oversight and vision for Clemson’s historic properties, which include Fort Hill, Hanover House and Hopewell Plantation. Prior to coming to Clemson, she served as Curator of Collections for Heritage Village Park and Museum, an open-air historical village and museum featuring restored homes and buildings dating back to the mid-to late-19th century located in Largo, Florida.