McGrogan named executive director of Utica Children’s Museum

UTICA, N.Y. — Meghan Fraser McGrogan is no longer the interim director of the Utica Children’s Museum as she takes on the role more permanently as its executive director, the museum’s board of directors announced.

McGrogan first became involved with the museum when she joined the board in 2021, serving as board president for two years, board liaison for four months, and lastly as the museum’s interim director for the past six months.

As executive director, she will oversee the opening of the museum later this year as well as leading the onboarding and growth of the museum’s team and building operational systems. McGrogan also has an active role in donor relations, marketing, and public relations.

“We’re all ecstatic about Meghan stepping into the role of executive director,” Adam Pawlick, the museum’s board president, said in a news release. “It’s not every day you get to work with such a dynamic and seasoned professional, especially on a transformative project such as this. I am beyond excited about what lies ahead and believe we will achieve extraordinary things with her vision and direction.”

McGrogan began her career at the F.X. Matt Brewing Company in marketing and public relations before joining the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce in 2014 as its director of membership and events. She later became the chamber’s executive director. In 2020, she and her husband, Ryan, opened Commonworker, a shared office space for small businesses. She joined him at his McGrogan Design firm in 2021 and founded MFM Consulting in 2022.

As executive director of the Utica Children’s Museum, McGrogan’s focus is on fostering an environment of learning, curiosity, and fun for children and families. She also serves as the regional and national voice for the museum and its unique offerings. This past spring, she presented at the Association of Children’s Museums’ national conference on Universal Design. The Utica Children’s Museum is the first in the country to integrate Universal Design principles from concept through construction.

McGrogan holds a bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Oswego. She volunteers with the Boilermaker Road Race as its media coordinator and has previously served on committees for many community organizations.