Edwards Formerly Served as BCM’s Chief Operating Officer Before Becoming its 12th President
(Brooklyn, NY)— The Brooklyn Children’s Museum today announced the appointment of Atiba T. Edwards as its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after he served as the Acting President and CEO since mid-August following the departure of Stephanie Hill Wilchfort.
Mr. Edwards has been an integral part of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum since 2019, when he joined the cultural institution as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Vice President. In this capacity, he served with outstanding leadership, overseeing various critical functions of the museum, including adeptly managing the budget, implementing systems to increase staff efficiency, overseeing an incredibly successful rebranding effort, and spearheading an array of new offerings at the Museum, including the highly acclaimed ArtRink exhibition, launch of a mini-golf course and the inauguration of a state-of-the-art auditorium.
His impressive career trajectory also includes a diverse range of experiences. Prior to his tenure at the museum, Mr. Edwards served as the Director of Operations at Brooklyn East Collegiate, a middle school within the Uncommon Schools network. He began his professional journey as a Fixed Income Research Analyst at JPMorgan’s Investment Bank, focusing on the automotive sector. He later contributed his expertise to Nomura Securities, where he covered high-grade and high-yield fixed income research divisions across multiple sectors, including aerospace, automotive, defense, healthcare, and tobacco.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Edwards co-founded FOKUS, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting and building communities through the arts. A native of St. Vincent and The Grenadines in the West Indies, Mr. Edwards grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and has developed a deep understanding of the diverse and vibrant communities the museum serves.
Amanda Sue Nichols, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Atiba into this new role as President and CEO. Atiba has been a central player in the Museum’s success over the last fouryears, and was instrumental in guiding the museum through the Covid-19 pandemic. Atiba’s outstanding leadership during his time as Acting CEO and his proven dedication to the museum’s mission and the communities we serve make us confident that he is the right person to lead the Brooklyn Children’s Museum into the future.”
“I am deeply honored and excited to assume the role of President and CEO at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum,” Atiba T. Edwards said. “This institution holds a special place in the hearts of families and children in Brooklyn and beyond. BCM is a place I grew up coming to with my family during my childhood years. I am committed to continuing the museum’s legacy of providing a dynamic and enriching educational experience for all, and I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, board, and community partners to ensure the museum’s continued success.”
“Atiba Edwards brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role as President and CEO of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. His leadership will undoubtedly propel the museum to new heights, ensuring a vibrant and educational space for our community’s young minds to flourish, said New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie.
“Atiba Edwards has a long track record of dedicated service to the youth of Brooklyn, from his work as the Director of Operation at Uncommon Schools to his time serving as the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Brooklyn Children’s Museum. He has been a partner, a friend, and an asset to my office and the people of Brooklyn,” said New York State Assembly Member Brian A. Cunningham. “I am thrilled that Atiba will be continuing to lead the museum in a permanent capacity, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the years to come.”
“Congratulations to Atiba Edwards on his well-deserved appointment as the head of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum,” said New York City Council Member Chi Ossé, whose district includes the museum and who serves as Chair of the Council Committee on Cultural Affairs. “With his passion for education and community engagement, I am confident that Atiba will lead the museum with innovation and inclusivity, creating a positive impact on the children and families it serves. I grew up going to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. As I lived just a few short blocks away, it long served as a critical center of gravity for my childhood, as I’m sure it has for countless other children. I am grateful to know this Brooklyn gem is in good hands.”
About Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Inspired by the energy and diversity of our borough, Brooklyn Children’s Museum creates experiences that ignite curiosity, celebrate identity, and cultivate joyful learning. Founded in 1899 as the world’s first children’s museum, Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM) is New York City’s largest cultural institution designed especially for families. Proudly based in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, BCM serves 300,000 children and caregivers annually with exhibits and programs grounded in visual arts, music and performance, natural science, and world cultures. For more information, visit www.brooklynkids.org.
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