Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Shares Leadership & Community Building Lessons with the C300

The Committee of 300 continued its commitment to providing meaningful value to members and guests through its newly launched Speakers Forum Series, welcoming Terry L. Karges, Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, as the featured speaker at its September Board of Governors meeting at .

The Speakers Forum Series was created to bring accomplished leaders, innovators and community influencers to the organization's monthly meetings, providing members with direct access to the experiences and insights of professionals who have achieved success in business, motorsports, nonprofit leadership, education and community engagement.

"Our goal is to expose members to thought leaders who can inspire new ideas, share best practices and provide real-world perspectives that help strengthen both our organization and the community we serve," said Chris Gehman, C300 president.

For Committee of 300 members, Karges was a natural choice. His career spans the worlds of automobiles, motorsports, hospitality and entertainment, providing a unique perspective on how organizations can adapt, innovate and remain relevant for future generations.

Karges reflected on his lifelong passion for racing, which began after his family moved to Southern California during the 1950s. An early visit to the legendary Torrey Pines road races sparked an interest that would ultimately shape his professional career and lead him to some of the automotive industry's most respected organizations.

When Karges joined the Petersen Automotive Museum in 2012, the institution faced significant challenges. Through strategic leadership, strong board support and donor engagement, the museum embarked on a major transformation that has helped position it among the world's premier automotive museums.

Today, the Petersen attracts visitors from around the globe through its extensive galleries, rotating exhibitions, educational programs and interactive experiences designed to appeal to audiences far beyond traditional automotive enthusiasts.

Reimagining Automotive Culture

A central theme of Karges' presentation was the evolving nature of automotive culture and the importance of understanding changing audiences.

He explained that one of the museum's guiding principles was recognizing that it could no longer serve only a narrow audience of automotive enthusiasts. Instead, it needed to create experiences that connected people to the broader stories behind automobiles, including design, technology, innovation, culture and entertainment.

That approach has helped attract families, students, collectors and visitors who may never have considered themselves "car people."

Among the museum's successful exhibits are its widely acclaimed Fast & Furious exhibition and a groundbreaking lowrider exhibit that celebrated an important part of Southern California's automotive heritage and culture.

Karges noted that younger generations often engage with automobiles differently than previous generations. While classic restorations remain popular, many younger enthusiasts are increasingly interested in technology, performance, engineering, design and the digital culture surrounding cars.

His observations resonated with Committee of 300 members as the organization continues to position itself for the future while seeking new ways to engage younger generations in motorsports, volunteerism and community service.

Education Driving Opportunity

One of the most impactful portions of Karges' presentation focused on the museum's growing educational mission.

The Petersen has expanded its educational programming to serve students from preschool through high school, introducing young people to automotive history, detailing, technical skills and career pathways related to the automotive industry.

Karges shared examples of students who have participated in hands-on training programs, developed valuable skills and later returned to mentor and inspire others.

The museum also works to ensure that students and families who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities are able to participate.

For Committee of 300 members, the message reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for future generations.

Hospitality as a Community-Building Tool

Another key takeaway from the presentation centered on hospitality. Karges emphasized that the Petersen Automotive Museum views itself not only as a museum, but as a hospitality, education and entertainment destination. Creating a memorable visitor experience, he explained, requires more than customer service. It requires making every guest feel welcomed, valued and connected.

To accomplish this, museum staff members are encouraged to engage visitors by sharing stories, answering questions and creating meaningful interactions rather than simply supervising exhibits.

The goal is to help visitors understand not just what they are looking at, but why it matters. Through storytelling and personal engagement, vehicles become gateways to conversations about innovation, culture, history and design.

For the Committee of 300, the lesson was particularly meaningful. Whether volunteering at Grand Prix activities, representing the organization at community events or participating in outreach efforts, members often serve as the public face of the organization. The way members engage with the public helps shape perceptions and strengthen community relationships.

Looking Toward the Future

As part of the Committee of 300's new Speakers Forum Series, Karges joins a growing roster of respected leaders who will share their experiences, insights and expertise with members throughout the year. The initiative reflects the organization's commitment to continuous learning, leadership development and meaningful engagement with the broader community.

His presentation served as a reminder that successful organizations thrive by embracing innovation, investing in education, creating welcoming experiences and finding new ways to connect future generations with their mission.

For more information about membership, volunteer opportunities and upcoming events, visit www.Committeeof300.com.