Thursday, April 23, 2009

Textile Museum Elects Paul N. Schwartz to Board of Trustees

The Textile Museum Elects Paul N. Schwartz to Board of Trustees

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April 23, 2009, Washington, D.C. — The Textile Museum announced today that Paul N. Schwartz was elected to the Museum’s Board of Trustees at their April 3, 2009 meeting. On accepting his appointment to the Board, Schwartz said “I am pleased to join The Textile Museum’s unique and far-reaching community as a member of the Board of Trustees. I believe the Museum fulfills a singular role in the field and is well positioned in today’s economy with a balanced budget and a committed core constituency.” He serves on the board’s Budget and Finance, Development and Audit Committees.

Schwartz brings extensive business management experience to The Textile Museum’s Board of Trustees. In April 2006 he retired from the position of president and chief financial officer for MAXXAM Inc., a holding company for timber products, real estate and other interests, after 26 years with the organization. From 1973 to 1980, he served as senior vice president of finance for the Student Loan Marketing Association (“Sallie Mae”). Schwartz has also served on the boards of corporate and not-for-profit organizations, including Plainfield Direct Inc., a privately held business development company (2007-present), the Houston Symphony (2002–2006), United Financial Group (1988-1999) and SLM Funding Corporation (1995-1998), a subsidiary of Sallie Mae.

“Paul Schwartz offers the Museum strong financial experience and a keen business sense,” said Bruce P. Baganz, president of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “We are pleased to welcome him to the board and anticipate his new ideas and fresh perspective.”

Schwartz is a graduate of New York University (B.A.) and Columbia University (M.B.A.). He resides with his wife Barbara in Houston, Texas.

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About The Textile Museum

Established in 1925 by George Hewitt Myers, The Textile Museum is an international center for the exhibition, study, collection and preservation of the textile arts. The Museum explores the role that textiles play in the daily and ceremonial life of individuals the world over. Special attention is given to textiles of the Near East, Asia, Africa and the indigenous cultures of the Americas. The Museum also presents exhibitions of historical and contemporary quilts, and fiber art. With a collection of more than 18,000 textiles and rugs and an unparalleled library, The Textile Museum is a unique and valuable resource for people locally, nationally and internationally.