The Museum of Durham History is proud to announce the new members of our Board of Directors.  Our Board comprises a talented and deeply committed group of community leaders whose experience spans journalism, education, architecture, finance, communications, and nonprofit management. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge, perspective, and heart to the Museum’s mission of sharing Durham’s stories.

We’re especially pleased to welcome back Bob Ashley and Cindy Gardiner, both of whom have long histories with the Museum—Bob serving previously as a Board chair, and Cindy as a founding co-director.

Bob Ashley, Interim Treasurer (top right)
Bob Ashley retired in 2017 as editor of The Herald-Sun, where he led the newspaper’s news and editorial operations. Over a distinguished journalism career, he also served as editor of the Messenger-Inquirer in Owensboro, KY, and the Centre Daily Times in State College, PA. Between stints at The Herald-Sun, he was executive director of Preservation Durham.
A Duke University graduate with a B.A. in history, Bob has contributed his leadership to numerous community and professional organizations, including the N.C. Press Association, Durham’s Partnership for Children, and Preservation Durham.

Rick Brown (bottom left)

Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Investors Trust Company
Rick Brown brings more than 35 years of experience in banking and finance to the board. Based in Chapel Hill, he leads wealth planning and advisory services at Investors Trust Company. Rick has also dedicated decades of service to local nonprofits, as founding board president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Durham and Orange County, and a founding board member of the Emily Krzyzewski Family Life Center. A Midwesterner by birth, Rick holds degrees from Knox College and Indiana University. He lives in Cary with his wife, Lisa.

Renee Clark (bottom center)

Director of Annual Giving, Southern Environmental Law Center
A Durham native and proud Hillside High alumna, Renee Clark has built a national career in fundraising and philanthropy. Before joining the Southern Environmental Law Center, she held senior roles at the National Geographic Society, George Mason University, and the University of Virginia. Deeply rooted in community service, she serves on the boards of the No Woman, No Girl Initiative and A.T. Still University, among others. Renee earned her Master of Accountancy from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University.

Cynthia (Cindy) Gardiner (bottom right)

Community Volunteer and Founding Co-Director, Museum of Durham History
Cindy Gardiner played a pivotal role in the Museum’s early years, helping establish communications and grant-writing foundations that still serve us today. Her career in communications included leadership roles with Durham Public Schools, GTE, Verizon, and Blue Cross NC. A Vanderbilt and Duke alumna, Cindy has received numerous honors, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the Huntley Lifetime Achievement Award. In retirement, she continues to lend her talents to causes across Durham—and enjoys painting, gardening, cooking, and time with her Durham-based family.

Jerry Guerrier, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, LEED AP CPA (top left)

Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management, North Carolina Central University
With more than 35 years of experience in architecture, design, and construction management, Jerry Guerrier joined NCCU in 2024 to oversee Facilities Management. His extensive career has included leadership roles in both private firms and public institutions, contributing to more than $2 billion in North Carolina capital improvement projects. His expertise and leadership in the built environment bring invaluable perspective to the Museum’s ongoing growth.

Mig Murphy Sistrom, CPA (top center)

Owner, Mig Murphy Sistrom, CPA, PC
As the owner of a firm specializing in nonprofit financial management, Mig Murphy Sistrom has dedicated her career to helping mission-driven organizations thrive. She advises nonprofits on accounting systems, budgeting, internal controls, and compliance, and teaches financial management courses through Duke University’s Nonprofit Management Program. Mig earned both her B.S. in Business Administration and her Master of Accounting from UNC-Chapel Hill, and holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke.

We’re grateful to each of these leaders for their commitment to preserving and sharing Durham’s stories. Their combined experience and community spirit will help guide the Museum as we continue to grow, innovate, and connect with our community.

photo credits: LinkedIn, Investors Trust, Herald-Sun, Facebook, Mig Murphy Sistrom