New Executive Director Appointed At Stamford Museum & Nature Center

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Museum & Nature Center has named William "Bill" Brucker as its new executive director, the organization’s board of directors announced.

Brucker will succeed Melissa H. Mulrooney, who is retiring after 20 years as CEO. During her tenure, Mulrooney oversaw the organization’s growth into a regional cultural, agricultural and environmental education institution.

Brucker brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience in strategic planning, fundraising, communications and organizational management.

Most recently, he served as chief advancement officer at Family Centers, one of Fairfield County’s largest nonprofit providers of health, education and human services.

During his 20 years with Family Centers, Brucker helped raise more than $7 million annually in private philanthropic support, developed relationships with key stakeholders and secured more than $4 million in reserve funding to strengthen the organization’s financial sustainability, an announcement from SM&NC said.

He also led strategic planning initiatives, redefined the organization’s vision and values, expanded community partnerships and increased brand awareness throughout Fairfield County.

Douglas L. York, president of the SM&NC board of directors, said the organization conducted a national search before selecting Brucker.

"After a national search, yielding multiple highly qualified applicants from throughout the region, we are thrilled to have found a leader of Bill's caliber with deep ties to and knowledge of the Stamford community," York said in a news release.

As executive director, Brucker will oversee the organization’s operations, strategic direction and financial sustainability, while working to strengthen community engagement and philanthropic support.

"It is truly an honor to join the Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s team," Brucker said. "Melissa’s leadership has left an indelible mark on this organization and throughout our community. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, volunteers and supporters to build on this strong foundation to ensure the SM&NC’s continued growth so that the wonder and discovery this place offers continues for generations."

Brucker lives in Stamford with his wife and two teenage sons. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Quinnipiac University.

Founded in 1936, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center focuses on the preservation and interpretation of art and popular culture, natural and agricultural sciences, astronomy and history, while promoting creativity, environmental stewardship and lifelong learning.

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is located in North Stamford, with entrances at 39 and 151 Scofieldtown Road. Additional information is available at stamfordmuseum.org or by calling 203-977-6521.