Kristen Carra Laird

Science Museum of Long Island
Manhasset, NY
Executive Director
July 2019 - November 2025

Garden City Chamber of Commerce
Garden City, NY
Director of Media & Events
July 2017- March 202o

Led transformation of 60-year-old nonprofit into a dynamic, community-centered science education hub.

• Responsible for ensuring the financial, programmatic, and operational advancement of the organization. Developed, monitored, and met annual operating and capital budgets. Grew net assets by over 160% over the course of my leadership. Produced monthly financial budgets for the board.

• Cultivated and stewarded relationships with funders and stakeholders, including, foundations, government agencies, donors, community partners, education partners, peer organizations, members, and program registrants. Developed and executed annual and long-term fundraising plans to increase contributed revenue and support for operations and capital projects that increased donations over 1000% in my first year. 

• Launched new membership levels and incentives and increased membership by 500%

• Launched a new gift shop and implimented that saw 1 000 % sales growth.

• Increased special event revenue by 700% from 2020-2025. Developed signature events that successfully boosted visibility, funding, and community engagement. Directed all event planning, permits, vendor coordination, media production, sponsorship development, and post-event impact reporting. 

• Developed and executed marketing and communications plans to regularly promote SMLI news, programs, and events through the website, social media, mailings, and events.

• Oversaw the integration of new CRM and program registration software, as well as gift shop and event sale software.

• Responsible for all Grant Writing & Administration: Secured over $500,000 in government and foundation grants for capital, education, and environmental initiatives. 

• Oversaw maintenance and improvements of historic buildings and the 36-acre grounds owned by Nassau County.  Liaised with the county for necessary support, renovations, and capital projects, including securing permissions, permits. Secured over $1 million in funding for the building restoration. 

• Led large-scale conservation projects: Spearheaded a major ecosystem restoration of 36-acre preserve; removed invasive species and reforested 3+ acres. Pioneered Half Shells for Habitat Oyster Seeding project to clean Manhasset Bay with TONH and Seatuck.

• Managed daily operations and administration. Oversaw all educational and event programming. Hired, supervised, and evaluated staff to grow SMLI’s programmatic capacity while encouraging community outreach and development. Grew staff from 3 to 11+; recruited full-time facilities manager, educator team, animal care, and seasonal staff. Expanded program revenue by over 70%.

• Coordinated timely completion of tax returns and audits and secured necessary insurance coverage annually. Responsible all reporting necessary to keep our 501-k in good standing. 

Oversaw community event strategy and brand promotion for one of NY State’s most active Chambers.   Coordinated logistics, vendors, sponsorships, and budgets for a year‑round calendar of events including The Pineapple Ball, The Belmont Festival, Homecoming & Fall Festival, Summer Friday Night Promenades, Easter Car Parade, Business Luncheons, Networking Breakfasts, Village Tree Lighting, Adopt-a-lamppost, and Annual Chamber Golf Outing.

• Directed all marketing, promotional efforts, public relations and social media content to strengthen visibility and community support.

• Led the rebranding and execution of the Pineapple Ball in 2017, 2018, and 2019.  Successfully reinvented the format to attract a younger, broader audience. Managed all aspects including fundraising, entertainment, design, silent auction, journal design and creation, branding, marketing and advertising.

• Collaborated with the Board of Directors and local stakeholders to ensure events aligned with community needs and Chamber goals of downtown vibrancy.

Provided residential real estate services for buyers and sellers at a top agency, leveraging negotiation skills and market knowledge to facilitate transactions.