Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, Park Executive Director To Retire

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — During her time at Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park (HSSMP), Carol Thompson has seen the entire 4-acre campus expand, both physically in renovations and additions, as well as in community outreach through educational programming, museum exhibits, the farmers market, and events. After 13 years working devotedly as Executive Director for Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park, Carol Thompson is set to retire on Oct. 4.

Thompson joined Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park in late summer 2006. During her time at the non-profit she has seen many changes, including the creation of the Sandy Springs Society Lawn, the renovation of the former Suburban Tool Rental Building into Heritage Sandy Springs offices and rental space for Private Events, the renovation of the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum at the Williams Payne House, the creation of The Sandy Springs Gazette, the inheriting and growth of the Heritage Sandy Springs Farmers Market, and the increased attendance and growth of the Concerts by the Springs and the Sandy Springs Festival.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished as an organization over the past 13 years on this very special site, saved from commercial development by community volunteers in 1984," Thompson said. "The growth has been the joint effort of strong board leadership and the Sandy Springs volunteer community who donated their resources and time, with a special thank you to the Sandy Springs Society for the faith and resources they sent our way. The growth over the years was about creating a sense of place and giving the community a gathering place, to enjoy, to learn, and to have fun. For many years, before Sandy Springs became a City, Heritage Sandy Springs was the ‘heart of Sandy Springs,’ giving friends, neighbors and visitors a place to come and be involved, not only through our programs and events, but also through the many volunteer opportunities offered by Heritage Sandy Springs over the years. I am blessed to have been a part of it. I’m also excited about the future of Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park as our community grows and flourishes.”

Stepping in as interim Executive Director will be Deborah Minor, a current board member of Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park. Minor comes to the position with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, including operations, financial and building management. She is a CPA in the state of Georgia.

“Carol’s impact on HSSMP will be felt for years to come. Under Carol’s leadership, the organization has grown, and not only has Carol stayed true to the mission of preserving the history of Sandy Springs, she’s been true to the supporters, she’s made sure HSSMP was allowed to grow and be a place where families and individuals have a place to go for beauty, education and fun," Minor said. "Carol has made HSSMP a part of her story for many years, and she’s been an integral part in the growth and success of so much of the organization. We are grateful for her service and wish her the absolute best in her retirement.”

Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, whose mission is to preserve the history of Sandy Springs, steward the community park of Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park, and offer culture, education, events and outreach to the community.