Jim Wade: New Executive Director Appointed At National Medal of Honor Museum Of Military History

ed. note: Jim Wade is now the executive director of the National Medal of Honor Museum.  He was interim director when the following story appeared in The Chattanoogan Oct. 10, 2010

Jim Wade of Signal Mountain has been appointed as the interim executive director/curator of National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History.

Mr. Wade’s appointment will be effective Nov. 1, to coincide with the resignation of Patty Parks of Ooltewah, who has been the museum’s executive director/curator since January 2004.

Mr. Wade, a marketing consultant for Adtech Ceramics in Chattanooga, also serves on the museum’s Board of Trustees as first vice chair for Museum Development. He accepted the appointment from Board Chairman Dan Saieed of Signal Mountain when the board was unable to locate a qualified candidate for the permanent position.

“My three primary goals are to maintain and continue improvements at the current museum; initiate a capital campaign in 2011 to assure the museum’s future success, and to continue our search for a high-quality, full-time director,” Mr. Wade said at the Saturday board meeting. Board members are working with local organizations including United Way Center for Non Profits and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to locate a volunteer for the position.

While the director position is currently non-pay, board members expect it to become a part-time paid position in the future. However, even as a volunteer job, it affords an experience opportunity for college students just starting out or an avenue for retirees interested in continuing community involvement, Board Chairman Saieed said.

Ms. Parks’ resignation was expected. “After more than six years as director, the museum needs some new blood,” Ms. Parks said. The Board of Trustees presented Ms. Parks with a resolution of thanks for her “tremendous accomplishment during her years as volunteer director.” She plans to continue volunteering on a regular basis at the museum’s archival center.

Mr. Wade served as a U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant with Army Air Defense during the mid 1960’s. A Civil War history buff, he also volunteers with the Signal Mountain Lions Club and Prison Prevention Ministry.

Mr. Wade enjoys Tai Ji and biking. He is a confirmed “roadie” after doing cycling tours in Europe over the course of many summers.

Individuals interested in learning more or applying for the permanent executive director/curator position may call the Museum 877-2525 or the Archival Center 698-4511. Please leave a message with name and contact phone number.

National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History is non-profit and operated entirely by volunteer board members and staff. Located inside Northgate Mall in Hixson, admission is free and volunteers are always needed. For directions, hours of operation or guided/private tours, call the Museum at 877-2525, the Archival Center 698-4511, or visit www.mohm.org.---from The Chattanoogan 10/10/2010