New England Air Museum Selects New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the New England Air Museum announced the selection of Stephanie Abrams, Principal of AbramsMediaWorks, for executive director, effective June 1. Abrams will succeed the current Executive Director Debbie Reed, who is retiring after more than 31 years of service.

Coming from a career at the intersection of aerospace, technology, and digital communications, Abrams helps non-profit organizations, entertainment venues, and major content companies increase their audiences through digital marketing campaigns, creative content, and leveraging new technologies including augmented reality.

Abrams has served as a key member of various communications teams providing B2B services for Fortune 500 companies. Her work has included extensive assignments with major aerospace companies including Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, and Engine Alliance, among others. In addition, Abrams has broad and deep experience as a writer, director, producer and host of television shows.

"Stephanie's experience at building audiences will be an important focus of the New England Air Museum going forward," said Bob Stangarone, chairman of the Board and president of the museum. "Our new strategic plan will incorporate many new initiatives focusing on restoring, preserving and displaying our vast collection as well as new education programs to attract and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.”

“Debbie has been the Museum’s longest serving employee, going from part-time cashier to Executive Director during her tenure. She has been part of it all,” Stangarone said. “We thank her for her many contributions shaping and developing the Museum to what it is today.”

The New England Air Museum is the largest aviation museum in New England with three large hangars, outdoor exhibits and more than 100 aircraft ranging from early airships and flying machines to supersonic jets and helicopters. Located adjacent to Bradley International Airport, the New England Air Museum is committed to presenting the story of aviation, the human genius that made it possible and the profound effects that it has had on the way in which we live.