Berkshire Museum has named Lori Eastman as the new Chief Development Officer, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on her leadership appointment. She began her tenure on August 18, 2025.
Inspired by the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Berkshire Museum was founded by paper manufacturer Zenas Crane to display his collection of objects, scientific specimens, ethnographic materials, and art. Its Italian Renaissance-style building, opened in 1903 as the Museum of Natural History and Art, underwent expansion in both its collection and infrastructure, including the addition of an aquarium, over the course of the 20th century. Ongoing development continued into the early 2000s with its current phase installing new first-floor galleries, a gift shop, a visitors’ area, and the relocation, renovation, and enhancement of the aquarium, overseen by the acclaimed architect Yo Hakomori of StudioHAU.
Eastman has spent her career at private liberal arts colleges, including the last 25 years at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, which she also attended as an undergraduate. At Skidmore, she served as the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff in the college's Office of Advancement, where she acted as a frontline fundraiser, building relationships with donors and prospects, overseeing staff and teams engaged in fundraising, and managing larger fundraising projects. Before that, she spent 10 years working at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, as a Director of Annual Giving, Special Gifts Officer, and Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.
“What interests me most about joining the staff of the Berkshire Museum is the chance to work with the museum's current supporters, as well as prospective donors and volunteers, and to help them all learn about the progress and momentum happening at the museum,” Eastman said.
That momentum refers to renovations the museum is undergoing, which are currently slated to be completed in Spring 2026. The work underway on the first floor will bring new exhibits and a children's activity center, along with other spaces and an upgraded aquarium to their doors, something Eastman herself is eager to see finished.
"The museum is thrilled to have Lori join our team," said Kim Bush Tomio, Executive Director of Berkshire Museum. "Her wealth of experience as a fundraiser, personal connection with the Berkshires, as well as support for our mission, were instrumental in our choice. We look forward to having her be a part of our community."
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning and research services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities across the United States and Canada to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise.