BEACHWOOD – May 1, 2024 – The Board of Trustees of the Maltz Museum announced today the appointment of Aaron Petersal as the next Executive Director, effective June 1, 2024, after a national search. Petersal succeeds David Schafer who announced his retirement in February. Schafer has agreed to remain available to the Maltz Museum to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Board Chair Renee’ Chelm shared, “Aaron Petersal is an experienced museum leader having previously worked at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Clark Art Institute, and the Cleveland Museum of Art in increasingly responsible positions. He most recently served as the Chief Development Officer/Vice President of Resource Development at the United Way of Greater Cleveland. He brings a depth of experience as a visionary nonprofit executive, and we are looking forward to his leadership as the Maltz Museum approaches its 20th anniversary.”
“I am humbled to be selected as the next leader of this important institution,” said Petersal. “I am eager to bring my experiences and skills to the Maltz Museum in support of its enduring mission of respect for all humanity. My passion for the Cleveland community and its future is unwavering and the Maltz Museum has an important role in our city, region, and beyond.”
Founder Milton Maltz added, “David Schafer has done an outstanding job leading the museum for the past fifteen years for which Tamar and I will always be grateful. It is well-positioned for the future and a new chapter under the leadership of Aaron Petersal.”
About the Maltz Museum
Opened in 2005 in a collaboration between The Maltz Family Foundation, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Centennial Initiative and The Temple-Tifereth Israel with research support from the Western Reserve Historical Society, the Maltz Museum is rooted in the Jewish value of respect for all humanity, building bridges of tolerance and understanding by sharing Jewish heritage through the lens of the American experience. The Maltz Museum is dedicated to exploring diverse stories of courage from history and today, with a commitment to education and learning so there can be a more inclusive tomorrow.
