Kansas Aviation Museum names new director

The Kansas Aviation Museum has a new director.

Dana Steffee was named director on Wednesday. She replaces Lon Smith, who resigned in September as the museum’s interim director to become chief development officer at the Museum of World Treasures.

Smith was the KAM director for seven years until he resigned in 2015.

Steffee has served as the program coordinator for the Kansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen since 2011 and previously was the development coordinator for the Kansas Humane Society.

In the news release announcing Steffee as the new director, Tim Bonnell Sr., president of the museum’s board, wrote: “Steffee, a veteran non-profit fundraiser, will use her skills to lead the Museum and work with the Board to further the museum’s goals and objectives.

“We are excited to welcome Dana Steffee to the Museum and look forward to her making a difference here.”

After Smith left the aviation museum the first time, it has struggled financially. Last winter, the museum cut staffing to one full-time position, reduced the time the museum is open to two days and turned down the building’s heat.

In minutes from the museum’s Dec. 14, 2015, board meeting, the board discussed closing the museum, bankruptcy and the possible sale of artifacts.

This story was originally published December 7, 2016 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Kansas Aviation Museum names new director."