Archbold, OH – Sauder Village welcomes Dr. Kiersten F. Latham as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Kiersten succeeds Debbie Sauder David who has retired after 22 years of service to Sauder Village, Ohio’s largest living history destination.
Kiersten has spent her career working and teaching at all kinds of museums – history, art, anthropology, natural history, science, archives, and living history.
She has extensive experience in many facets of museum administration including interpretation and collections, and is a published author in the cultural heritage field.
She even worked one summer as a costumed interpreter and in the collections department at Sauder Village.
“Kiersten has the training, experience, and personality needed to lead Sauder Village and help continue to make Erie Sauder’s vision a reality,” shared Dan Sauder, Sauder Village board member and Erie Sauder’s grandson.
“I especially appreciate her passion and love for Sauder Village and its mission. I realize the significance of having someone outside the Sauder family leading the Village, and I think Kiersten is up to the task.”
“This is an exciting and pivotal time for Sauder Village and I look forward to seeing what’s next.”
Kiersten began her role as Sauder Village President and CEO in mid-August and is excited about the opportunity to continue to make Erie’s vision grow and thrive into the future.
“It feels as if everything I have done up until now has led to this moment,” Kiersten shared.
“The culmination of my experiences – in practice, as an academic, and as a human being – have brought me to Sauder Village, where I hope to make a positive difference in people’s lives, with kindness, respect, creativity, and joy.”
Debbie David spent 22 years at Sauder Village. Over the past two decades, Debbie and her leadership team created and implemented a Master Plan to keep Sauder Village a vibrant place into the future.
The plan included the opening of Natives and Newcomers, Pioneer Settlement, Inn and Campground additions, the 1920s Main Street and more.
Debbie will be available to Kiersten as a mentor and advisor throughout the balance of 2022 and will join the Board of Trustees in 2023.
