We have been visiting the National Corvette Museum for decades. One of the bittersweet facets of doing so, has been seeing familiar faces give way to welcoming new ones into the family.

When you’re the NCM, you’re not only the place for housing some of the most historic Corvettes on the planet, but also a place where people who love the car can congregate and share their enthusiasm. That enthusiasm also runs deep through the folks who attend to the NCM’s daily functions on a regular basis. They are the epitome of the saying, “Find a job doing something you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life!”

Of course, there comes a time when they choose to relinquish their favored occupation, and enjoy another focus of life. Such is the case with 23-year NCM CEO/Executive Director Wendell Strode, who announced his retirement May 2018. The NCM just announced that Dr. Sean Preston will be serving as President and CEO of the NCM, effective July 1. Executive Director Wendell Strode will continue working with the NCM through January 3, 2020.

Meet The Man

Dr. Preston comes from Portland, Oregon, but his roots lead back to Atlanta, Georgia, where it has lived most of his life. Sean shows his excitement about his recent appointment, “I’m head over heels in love with all things car-related, and specifically Corvette. It is an honor to have been named President and CEO.”

Of course, Sean has some pretty big shoes to fill, but the NCM Board and Search Committee Chair Lon Helton confides in Sean’s abilities, “Sean possesses the leadership skills, diverse qualities, relationships and unique skill sets necessary to collaborate with NCM Board of Directors to expand the mission and strategic objective of the NCM while being mindful of the unique legacy and spirit of the organization. His skills as an innovative leader are proven and we look forward to the NCM’s next chapter with Sean leading the way for the staff, management, volunteers and members. The icing on the cake: Sean is a car guy with a 1954 Corvette and 1972 Corvette in his collection!”

Sean laid the groundwork for going forward with the NCM, “I’m excited to look at the Museum and the exhibits from an outsider’s lens and partner with the team to create new and exciting exhibits. I also think it’s important that we focus on preservation of the collection. We want to expand the membership base, welcome a new generation of Corvette enthusiasts and become one of the most attended and supported car museums in the world.”

We look forward to working alongside Sean and the rest of the NCM team to forward the Corvette brand’s history, status and story for future generations. Be sure to congratulate Sean on his recent posting the next time you visit the National Corvette Museum and keep an eye on the great things the entire NCM staff has in store!