After serving for more than fifteen years as its Executive Director, Patti Montgomery Reinert will step down from her leadership role at South Haven’s Michigan Maritime Museum on September 30, 2025. The Museum Board of Directors will soon begin a national search for Reinert’s successor.
“Patti leaves an indelible mark on this Museum and community as an exceptional leader and ambassador,” said Joseph Dykhuis, Board President. She has established a legacy of tremendous growth for the Museum that will serve the community for generations to come. In its 50-year existence, the Museum has never been in a better position in terms of mission, infrastructure, financial stability, and staff leadership capabilities.”
Reinert started her tenure at the Museum in early 2009, quickly being tasked to oversee operational leadership and planning to secure the Museum’s financial future. With a staff of only three, the Museum featured ongoing exhibits, on-water experiences and programming that steadily grew membership and attendance. By 2016 the Museum was on solid financial footing, culminating with paying off the balance of a loan for the $1.3 million dollar investment in tall ship Friends Good Will.
In 2018, Patti and the Museum Board embarked on long-term strategic planning efforts, which resulted in the Launching a Legacy capital project, a seven-year campaign designed to re-envision the Museum’s role in Maritime historical preservation through campus expansions, staffing, programming and exhibits. As a result of Patti’s leadership, the Museum was able to raise over $10 million dollars to fund the acquisition of the historic Jensen Fisheries property, building the new Maritime Heritage Center, securing the site and waterfront, adding all new boardwalks and piers, and creating new program and event spaces. In addition, all aspects of the Museum’s operations have grown including new and enhanced educational programs, new on-water experiences, interactive exhibits and historical displays.
“My decision to step down comes after careful consideration and planning,” said Reinert, “and I am proud that I will be leaving the Michigan Maritime Museum in a position of strength and vitality. The Board and I have made significant strides toward ensuring the Museum’s future, including the development of an exceptional staff that will carry the Museum to new heights. I will be forever grateful for the many donors, members, volunteers and friends who believed in the mission of the Maritime Museum and who have helped create something so special for our area and state.”
Plans are in place to name Reinert’s successor by May of 2025 for a period of overlap with Patti prior to her departure in September.
