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I am pleased to welcome Ralph Lewin as the Mechanics' Institute's new Executive Director. He replaces Executive Director Jim Flack, who retired after 15 years of service.
Mr. Lewin is eager to assume his new duties at the Mechanics' Institute. He comes to us after serving six years as President and CEO of Cal Humanities, where he was a fierce advocate for the support of the humanities in California and nationwide. His experiences at Cal Humanities range from supporting Academy Award nominated documentary films, to inspiring a reading of the Grapes of Wrath in libraries across California. Mr. Lewin serves on the boards of the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the University of California Humanities Research Institute and is on the editorial board of the magazine BOOM: A Journal of California. He was born in San Francisco, raised in San Diego, and now lives locally with his wife, Caitlin Mohan, and sons Sam and Leo.
"I am honored and thrilled to be entrusted with the leadership of the Mechanics’ Institute," Mr. Lewin said. "I look forward to working with the board, staff, members and supporters to create an exciting new chapter in the Mechanics' Institute's development. I firmly believe that the work of the Mechanics' Institute always has been and will be essential to the DNA of the Bay Area. The excellent library, vibrant lectures and conversations, and the world renowned chess club are something that each person in the Bay Area should know about and support."
Ralph has spent his first few weeks familiarizing himself with the building and the staff. He has a warm personality and a ready smile, if you see him feel free to introduce yourself!
-- Taryn Edwards, Member Relations and Marketing Specialist