Children's museum director leaves after six months

The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada has lost another executive director - its third in about two years.

Art Krupicz, who was hired for the top position about six months ago, resigned Monday to pursue other interests. He follows Erin Lehman, who still volunteers with the nonprofit museum, and Ken Beaton, whose contract was not renewed by the board in 2005.

Krupicz, 32, said he resigned to work on projects with local community groups.

"I will end up working with youth. That's always been a passion of mine, and I am going to continue that," the Carson City man said Friday.

He teaches archaeology part time at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno and plans to take on another part-time job. He has not yet chosen which project he will work on.

Volunteers picked up Krupicz's duties on Friday. The executive director position pays about $20,000 a year.

Maria Pence, a board member for about five years, said the board will look into restructuring the position so that it's easier to manage. Pence said Lehman left because the full-time commitment was too much.

"It might be time to look at restructuring the directorship, to see if it's time to divide and conquer that into different areas of expertise," she said. "It is a very demanding, stressful job."

For example, administration and special events duties can be assigned to separate directors.

Stacie Wilke, board president, said they are sorry to see Krupicz leave.

"We want somebody who has the same mission and devotion as our previous director," she said. "Everybody on the board is committed to making it one of the better children's museums in Nevada."

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.