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Executive Profile , Kay Wagner

When Kay Wagner steps down early next year as executive director of the Children’s Museum/Museo de los Ninos, she will leave quite a legacy , a new $25 million, 50,000-square-foot complex that will introduce a whole new generation to the joys of learning through creating.

“We’ve been waiting for this a very long time,” said Wagner, who assumed her post in 1999 and has been shepherding the project ever since.

Designed by San Diego architect Rob Wellington Quigley as the first “green” building in downtown San Diego, this latest incarnation of the popular attraction is set to open on West Island Avenue in January 2008. Green building is designed to promote energy efficiency and minimize the impact on the natural environment.

“This is a place where people of all ages can enjoy art, and do something creative,” said Wagner. “And Rob Quigley is a fantastic architect. He has this wonderful inner child, and he knows what is fun. Everything about this building will be teaching us something.”


RESUME

Name: Kay Wagner.

Title: Executive director of the Children’s Museum/Museo de los Ninos San Diego.

Education: Master’s degree in art/education from Cal State Fresno.

Birthplace: Martin, Tenn.

Residence: Pauma Valley.

Honors: Arts Educator of the Year award, California Center for the Arts, Escondido; Doc Langur Award, California Art Education Association; and Outstanding Arts Educator award, California Arts Council.


BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY

Essential business philosophy: Based on respect for clients, co-workers and vendors; always striving to bring out the best in people in their work and in relationships.

Best way to keep a competitive edge: Know your clients and learn something new every day. The arts are a wonderful way to see something entirely new. It can be very insightful to look at cutting-edge art every day.

Guiding principles: Be fair. Listen. Respect others. Learn continually.

Yardstick for success: Respect from my peers.

Goals to be achieved: Write a novel. Paint seriously.


JUDGMENT CALLS

Best business decision: To hire Rob Quigley as the museum architect.

Worst business decision: Hiring a firm that did not understand the mission of the museum.

Toughest business decision: Letting an employee go is always the toughest job.

Mentor: Bob Sain, the museum director before me.


TRUE CONFESSIONS

What you like most about your job: The people, the artists, co-workers and community.

What you like least: Paperwork.

Pet peeves: People who can’t find joy in everyday pleasures. People who are negative.

Most important lesson learned: To persevere.

Most respected competitor: Hugh Davies. He is so good at museum management.

Three greatest passions: Art, sailing and music.

First choice for a new career: Artist.


PREDILECTIONS

Most influential book: I am an avid reader and am influenced constantly. I read for several hours every night.

Favorite movie: I love independent films. No one favorite. I’m always looking for new ideas and concepts.

Favorite restaurant: Laurel and Chive.

Favorite place for business meetings: University Club.

Favorite vacation spot: Europe.

Favorite way to spend time: Reading and painting.

Favorite automobile: Porsche.

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