Fundraising and other development activities of the National Air and Space Museum were originally the responsibility of the Office of Public Affairs, although both curators and upper management had long been involved by virtue of their contacts with the aerospace industry. A Membership and Development Officer, reporting to the Chief of Public Affairs, was first named in 1986 when Marilyn E. Lyons took the title. In 1987 Susan Beaudette held the position, followed by John M. Carlin in 1988. His title was changed to Assistant Director for Development in 1989. In 1992, he left the position and Susan Beaudette once again held the position until around 1997. She was then replaced by the current Chief of the Office of Development, Ann M. Seeger.
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Agency History. Record 219511
