The CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum is departing after nearly three years at the helm. Sam Gappmayer is leaving to be the director of John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He arrived at Peoria Riverfront Museum just after it had reported a deficit and lower than expected attendance numbers in its first year of operation.
The museum board and staff say Gappmayer is leaving Peoria having accomplished what he set out to do at Riverfront Museum. They credit him with growing a vibrant community-centered programming schedule, engaging people in inviting ways, and making the museum more of a community gathering place. Gappmayer’s last day is October 14th.