Carol Rehtmeyer of TX

Carol Rehtmeyer TX

About Carol Rehtmeyer of TX

Carol Rehtmeyer is a TX-based charismatic, strategic, and visionary leader passionate about creating an inclusive, welcoming culture and improving our community through diversity and inclusion. Carol enjoys continued learning and motivating and guiding staff members to grow, collaborate, share ideas, explore new possibilities, and stimulate exceptional educational programming and inspiring experiences.

As an Executive Director, President, and CEO, Carol guided her teams to further the organization’s mission and inspire a positive impact on diversity through collaboration and cooperative associations to deliver an inclusive cultural understanding that encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and equality in the museum experience. Developing collaborative working relationships with civic leaders, the NAACP, the LGBTQ community, Indigenous tribal leaders, and Holocaust survivors were essential in their mission to educate and provide a broadened understanding of historical actions, marginalized people, inequity, and injustice in the voice of the storyteller for each exhibition and educational outreach program. Carol Rehtmeyer of TX alongside her team have produced hundreds of successful events celebrating our community’s cultures and diversity.

Carol has a passion for improving equality and extensive experience leading for-profit and not-for-profit organizations as a successful entrepreneur in a public/private partnership, CEO for an accredited city-owned collection museum, and a charitable organizational leader, champion, and spokesperson. With a master’s degree in Business Administration, a passion for S.T.E.M. education, breaking the cycle of poverty, and over thirty years of expertise in management, finance, sustainability, development, community engagement, facility oversight, organizational management, strategic planning, board relations, membership-based program growth, grant writing, and friend-raising, she can help guide your organization into its next chapter.

In addition to leading or assisting not-for-profit organizations, Carol Rehtmeyer of TX founded three associations. The Toy and Game Industry Foundation (T.G.I.F.) was an association, annual tradeshow, and symposium for executive leadership in the toy industry. T.G.I.F provided insights and support to companies and leaders. Carol focused on growing the organization for thirteen years, eventually selling it to a more prominent toy industry tradeshow association. During that time, she also chartered the Chicago chapter of the Women in Toys, a membership-based association for sharing, camaraderie, and learning. In 2020, Carol founded the Museum Leadership Association for Texas-based museum executives, where members convened via Zoom for shared insights and discussions on selected topics with expert guest speakers. She is also active with several not-for-profit associations, including the Association of Science Museum Directors, the American Alliance of Museums, and Women of Reformed Judaism. Carol serves or has served on six not-for-profit boards.

As a relationship builder, Carol Rehtmeyer is a strong at cultivating federal, state, and local financial support through grants, gifting programs, foundations, corporate sponsorships, community outreach, naming opportunities, and innovative funding programs. Under her leadership, the museum raised ten million dollars and unveiled seven permanent and twelve temporary exhibits to upgrade and improve the museum experience. An interactive space center and a $30 million campaign for an interactive water science, coral reef, and physics park at the museum were initiated. Unique and outstanding educational programming was essential to the museum’s success, and much of the existing curriculum needed to be updated. An immersive museum theater troupe drew attendance and accolades as it brought Texas history to life. Carol’s team and carefully selected subject matter experts developed dynamic, inclusive, and financially successful events and educational programs. They established one of the first S.T.E.M.-based museum preschools in the country, a museum academy for K-12, and a scholarship program that provided opportunities for thousands of at-risk youths. The revamped programming and an outstanding science camp serving 1200 campers earned the museum the “Best Museum” and “Best Summer Camp” status. School visitation increased from 3500 to 40,000, and partnerships were forged with leading engineering companies and science-based organizations, including Valero, Exxon Mobile, NASA, and the National Science Foundation.

Strengthening connections to the community and the museum’s programmatic impact were essential in its financial and attendance growth. During Carol Rehtmeyer of TX’s tenure, unique revenue streams increased through corporate participation and expanded membership-based programs, grants, and foundation-driven opportunities. Most importantly, friend-raising generated ten million dollars for the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Improvements to the museum store, facility rentals, programming, educational content, and exhibits increased museum revenue by 400 percent and annual attendance from 23,000 to 200,000. Adult programming inspired a new level of engagement and philanthropy for the museum. Strong political connections and community relations produced new funding opportunities and enabled the organization to navigate pandemic challenges.

Collaborating with a substantial local foundation, Carol led efforts to improve seven nonprofit organizations, including the USO, symphony, Foster Angels, botanical gardens, Corpus Christi Ballet, and a mobile veterinary clinic, to enhance their financial position, community impact, and engagement.

Recently Carol Rehtmeyer was presented with the prestigious Community Builder Award from the Masons, reserved for one individual for distinguished service and personal contributions to the community. In addition, she serves as a peer grant reviewer for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and a peer reviewer for museum accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums.

Carol Rehtmeyer’s Work Experience

S.T.A.R. WILDLIFE REHABILITATION AND VETERINARY CLINIC Corpus Christi, Texas
Co-President 04/2022 – Present

  • Established a wildlife rehabilitation center and spay/neuter clinic to serve injured wildlife and reduce unwanted animal populations
    • Collaborated with foundations and city and county leaders to solve a community need
    • Raised $12M for the veterinary team, clinic, and infrastructure
    • Established a high-volume veterinary clinic serving 500 animals a month

CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Corpus Christi, Texas
President & CEO 10/2018 – 04/2022

  • Returned following 9-month closure to reposition the city museum for not-for-profit management
    • Developed and negotiated a strategic plan and management contract with city leaders and the museum’s board of directors
    • Responsible for a $2.3M budget, 32-50 FTEs, facility, operations, and sustainability
    • Increased museum visitation and revenue by 400 percent
    • Developed political connections essential following hurricanes and pandemic challenges
    • Raised $10M through combined fundraising efforts
    • Refocused educational programming and outreach, improving school attendance by 200 percent
    • Established academic relationships with leading universities and resident researchers
    • Created a Museum Academy scholastic alternative for at-risk youth
    • Opened seven permanent and twelve temporary exhibits
    • Grew science camp serving 1200 students K-12, providing $300k in annual revenue
    • Development for a $50M S.T.E.M. preschool and children’s museum addition
    • $30M campaign for an interactive space center and an interactive water science and physics park

ED RACHAL FOUNDATION Corpus Christi, Texas
Contract CEO for Not-for-profit Organizations 2016 – 2018

  • • Provided management and development services to not-for-profit organizations
    • Served as Interim CEO and Development Officer to successfully re-establish a failing United Service Organization (USO) onboard the Naval Air Station through fiscal management, programming, corporate engagement, and improved processes
    • Created a five-year strategic plan for the South Texas Botanical Gardens, Corpus Christi Symphony, Corpus Christi Ballet, CBI Sisterhood, and Foster Angels of South Texas, collectively raising $2M

CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Corpus Christi, Texas
Executive Director 2012 – 2016

  • Developed a strategic course of action for the city-owned, accredited collection museum
    • Responsible for the strategic direction and operation of the 100,000-square-foot facility
    • Managed a $1.5M budget and 34 employees
    • In 18 months, improved the museum to a favorable cash position for the first time in its 60-year history
    • Increased attendance by 400% in 2.5 years, tripled net revenue in 24 months
    • Improved gift shop to $200k in annual sales and increased membership by 200%
    • Raised $3M for a Children’s Science Center, outdoor playground, and musical garden
    • Developed a science camp program producing $200k in annual funding
    • Established an $80k annual scholarship program for at-risk youth

SCITECH MUSEUM Aurora, Illinois
Executive Director 2010 – 2012

  • Improved performance of the science and physics museum founded by Argonne National Laboratory
    • Responsible for staffing and organizational structure of the 90,000 SF center
    • Implementation of programming, membership, fundraising, grant, and board development
    • Developed and implemented multiple revenue streams, including the addition of a café, SciTech Discovery Preschool, an exhibit licensing division, and the creation of SciTech Theatre, increasing revenue by 260%, improving membership by 525%, and general attendance by 300%

REHTMEYER INC. Aurora, Illinois / Shanghai China
President, Founder 2002 – 2012
• Founded a $6M international organization with 21 employees specializing in product development, manufacturing, and licensing in the toy industry.

TOY AND GAME INDUSTRY FOUNDATION Naperville, Illinois / Las Vegas Nevada
Founder and CEO 1996 – 2009
• Established and managed an educational symposium, conference, and trade show for the toy industry with a speaking faculty of over forty executive-level industry leaders.

RDL CO. INC. Naperville, Illinois
President 1989 – 2002
• Led a multi-million-dollar consumer product development and licensing company with clients: National Geographic Society, Blockbuster Inc., Tyco Toys, Parker Brothers, Hasbro, Mattel, Fisher-Price, Pressman Toy, Brach Candy, and Mega Brands. Noted products include “Tape Gum” and “Pretty Pretty Princess.”

Education

MBA, MASTER BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, OCTOBER 2022
Louisiana State University, Shreveport, Louisiana

BFA INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
University of Illinois, Champaign Illinois

Awards and Honors

  • 2022 Mason “Community Builder Award”
  • 2000 Business Ledger “Influential Women in Business” award
  • 2000 Naperville Chamber of Commerce “Technology Business of the Year” award
  • 2014 & 2015 Corpus Christi Caller-Times Museum “Best of the Best.”
  • 2007 Women in Toys National Association “Women to Watch.”
  • 2003 National Association of Women Business Owners “Woman Business Owner of the Year.”
  • 1999 Business Ledger “Excellence in Business.”

Programs, Boards, & Associations

  • Museum CEO & Director’s forum developer/manager, Texas Association of Museums 2021-present
  • Accreditation peer reviewer, American Alliance of Museums 2021-present
  • Grant reviewer, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 2020-present
  • Member, Association of Science Museum Directors 2018-present
  • Board of Directors, Corpus Christi Ballet 2014-present
  • Board of Directors, Bailando Dance Festival 2017-2019
  • Advisory Board, The Art Museum of South Texas 2013-present
  • Advisory Board, South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center 2014-present
  • Member, Leadership Texas Women 2016
  • Member, Leadership Corpus Christi, Class 42, 2013
  • Licensing and Product Development Advisor, National Geographic, and Fisher-Price 2002-2012

Interested in More from Carol Rehtmeyer of TX?

Carol Rehtmeyer of TX acknowledges that her extensive experience as a leader and administrator places her in the unique position to share insights that explore crucial topics linked to her areas of expertise. With this in mind, this site will aim to include comprehensive information on museum and not-for-profit leadership, business development, fundraising, professional development, marketing, and more. Through these resources, CarolRehtmeye.com hopes to inspire readers to make more informed decisions within their career paths while exploring avenues to grow skills, bring sustainable results to their organizations, inspire a love for learning.

Want to learn more about museum leadership, administration, professional development, and associated topics from the lens of an experienced leader such as Carol Rehtmeyer of TX? Be sure to tune in to this site for frequent updates inspired by Carol’s insights.