Tina Keegan, standing next to the dinosaur leg, is back at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) as its new executive director. Keegan brings three decades of experience in museums, exhibits, and science education, including more than 16 years at the JMZ as its former exhibits director.
During her previous role, Tina played an integral role in shaping the JMZ, from designing the California Dinosaur Garden to contributing to the development of the new JMZ. She also founded our beloved Super Family Sundays program, for which the JMZ was awarded the Angela Peterson Excellence in Diversity Award from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) at its Annual Conference this month.
“I’ve always felt very connected to the JMZ after so many years working here, watching my own kids grow up here, and my relationships with staff and community members,” Keegan said. “However, I was ready for new challenges after the California Dinosaur Garden opened. So I left the JMZ for a couple of years and worked in the city’s Watershed Protection group. But when the position became available, I knew I had to apply – drawn by the opportunity to lead the JMZ into its next chapter.”
Keegan wants the JMZ to welcome kids from East Palo Alto, eastern Menlo Park, and Redwood City, and it can with help from the Friends of the JMZ.
“From a first hand perspective, I’ve seen the difference these in-school lessons make,” Keegan said. “I’ve lived in Redwood City and East Palo Alto for 15+ years, and my children attended public elementary schools there that receive lessons funded by the Science Outreach Program. Principals and teachers often expressed gratitude for the lessons, and my kids always came home excited after a JMZ visit. As a parent, I learned that despite language or cultural differences, one thing all families share in common is a commitment to our children’s success.”
To support the JMZ, visit the donation page.
