Sandra Smith, director of Villa Finale, a National Trust Historic Site in Texas, has recently been appointed the Director of Education and Visitor Services at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This senior management position provides oversight of all public and community programming, the museum shop and café, and the site’s facility rentals at the six-floor, 275,000 square foot museum and research facility.
Smith provided important leadership as the first director of Villa Finale, culminating last fall in the public opening of the site. Over the past five years, she assembled an exemplary staff, oversaw many extensive construction projects, developed the visitor experience, and opened the visitor center. Michael Anderson, Development and Marketing Manager, will serve as the Acting Director while the National Trust begins the search for a new Director.
Sandra’s last day at Villa Finale will be August 18, and she will begin at The History Center after Labor Day. Please join us in offering our heartiest congratulations on her new appointment. — Max van Balgooy, Director of Interpretation and Education at the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Meg Nowack
Orlando Cortinas
Sylvia M. Gonzalez
September 1, 2011 at 10:20 am
Bon voyage, Sandra. It was a pleasure to work with you and to have you as a neighbor. Thanks for guiding Villa Finale to its present splendor and much success in your new venture.
September 2, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Sandra made an outstanding contribution to San Antonio through her inspired work in facilitating the establishment and operation of Villa Finale as a distinguished National Trust historic site. I am sure Walter Mathis, looking down from above, is very pleased! She will be missed by her many friends and admirers.
Ed Conroy
Development Director
Southwest School of Art