The Executive Staff
Laurie B. Haag, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer
The Vice President and COO manages Museum operations within the areas of facilities, sales, aircraft collections and restoration.
Vice President and COO Laurie B. Haag joined the Museum in June 2007. Laurie Haag has over 25 years of experience in project and program management in private, public and nonprofit environments. Prior to joining The Museum of Flight Laurie Haag served as Deputy Director and Interim Director at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington and Special Assistant to the General Manager at the Contra Costa Water District in Concord, California managing projects in excess of $100 million. Laurie Haag holds a BS degree in Construction Management from the University of Florida and an MBA in Business Administration from Santa Clara University.
Dr. Caren M. Handleman, Vice President of Development and External Affairs
The VP of Development and External Affairs oversees the areas of marketing, public relations and development.
Dr. Caren Handleman joined the Museum of Flight in November 2007. Prior to that, she served as vice president for university advancement both at Park University (2003-2007) and at Texas Wesleyan University (1994-2003). During her tenure at Park University, Dr. Handleman was responsible for planning a major comprehensive campaign. While at Texas Wesleyan, she was responsible for planning and managing a $33.5 million comprehensive campaign which successfully concluded in May 2002. Her work experience includes more than 20 years in higher education, primarily in development, marketing and communications, and alumni relations. Other positions in higher education were in continuing education (Indiana University Southeast) and grants administration (Creighton University). She also has experience in human services, advertising sales, and small business. Her educational background includes a B.A. from the University of Kansas, an M.P.A. from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University (Florida).
Edward H. Waale, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
The Vice President and CFO manages the financial planning, budgeting and accounting functions as well as risk management, office management and provides liaison with legal counsel.
Vice President and CFO Edward Waale joined The Museum of Flight in 1995 as the Director of Finance and Administration following a distinguished career with Northern Life Insurance Company in Seattle, Washington. Edward Waale assumed expanded roles at the Museum including Chief Operating Officer/Director of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. Edward Waale holds a BS degree in Business/Accounting and a BS in Geography from Central Washington University.
Directors and other staff:
Thomas E. Cathcart - Director of Aircraft Collections
Dan Hagedorn - Director of Collections - Senior Curator
Mike Lavelle - Director of Development
Alison G. Bailey - Associate Director of Development
Seth M. Margolis - Director of Education
Christopher P. Mailander - Director of Exhibits
Clark Miller - Director of Facilities
Bettie Hopkins - Director of Human Resources
Richard Rime - Director of Sales
Matt Hayes - Controller
Rosemarie Gran - Telecommunication Manager and Reception