GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES ANNOUNCES 

CEO APPOINTED TO NATIONAL BOARD

Jonathan Foerster appointed to Association of Children’s Museums Board of Directors

NAPLES, Florida (June 9, 2025) – Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) announces the appointment of its current CEO, Jonathan Foerster, to the Association of Children’s Museums Board of Directors as an At-Large Member for a three-year term.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan Foerster to the Board of the Association of Children's Museums,” said Arthur G. Affleck, III, President & CEO at ACM. “Jonathan brings a deep commitment to enriching the lives of children through hands-on learning and creative exploration. His leadership at the Children's Museum of Naples and his passion for advancing the field make him a valuable addition to our board as we continue championing the vital role of children’s museums around the world.”

The Association of Children’s Museum (ACM) is the world’s foremost professional society supporting and advocating on behalf of children’s museums and those who work at and otherwise sustain them. Foerster was elected by the ACM Membership and revealed during its annual conference, InterActivity 2025: Uplifting the Community: Reaching New Heights Together, held from May 14-16 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A complete list of the ACM Board of Directors can be found on the ACM website.

“Jonathan Foerster is a great addition to the Board of the Association of Children's Museums,” said Joe Cox, President of the ACM Board and former CMON CEO. “Jonathan brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and a deep understanding of the importance of play in early childhood development. His leadership at the Children’s Museum of Naples has been exemplary, and we look forward to the insight and energy he will bring to our board as we continue to support and elevate children’s museums around the world.”

Jonathan Foerster is an award-winning journalist turned nonprofit executive with a track record of

improving organizations from the inside. After a decade-long career in media, Jonathan moved to the nonprofit sector as Communications Director for Artis—Naples. He became Director

of Community Affairs for Humane Society Naples, before joining Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples as Chief Operating Officer in 2021. In February 2022, he was named Chief Executive

Officer at CMON. 

"I'm delighted and honored to be elected to serve the more than 300 members of the Association of Children's Museums," Foerster said. "I hope to use this platform to continue to advocate for the importance of educational play and gathering spaces for families in Southwest Florida and beyond."

About Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

A 501(C)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 2002, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a brain-building powerhouse and Southwest Florida’s first museum devoted to children and families. CMON is a two-story, 30,000 square foot cultural institution with hands-on and fully accessible exhibits developed by experts in child psychology, including 8,000 square feet of outdoor play space. With hands-on exhibits, the accessible museum invites children and their caregivers to journey through the swamps of the Everglades, climb a two-story banyan tree, or experiment with the water play station. Children can become weather forecasters, farmers, chefs, artists, architects, veterinarians or anything else they can imagine. They will experience the whoosh of the wind, the sound of the sea, and the effects of gravity. Throughout the day, special activities encourage our guests to get involved, try something new, and make memories. CMON provides an exciting, inspiring environment where children and their families play, learn, and dream together. 

Connect with us:

Facebook: @childrensmuseumofnaples

Instagram: @childrensmuseumofnaples

For more information about Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, or to make a contribution, visit www.cmon.org or call 239-260-1604

About ACM

The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) champions children’s museums worldwide. With more than 400 members in 48 states and 20 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org