STEERING PAST INTO FUTURE

To find the beating heart of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, look no further than the two dedicated New Jersey women at the helm

by By Laura D.C. Kolnoski • Photos By Amesse Photography

More than simply a national Historic Landmark, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an ever-evolving hub of living history and ongoing education; honoring those who served in the military while inspiring new adventure seekers. Within its steel hull, myriad programs, exhibits, tours, and activities are in constant motion, all overseen by two New Jersey residents passionate about their mission.

Susan Marenoff-Zausner of Tenafly (by way of Rockland County, New York) joined the Museum in 2003 and was named president in 2011; the first woman in the institution’s 30-year history to hold the position. At her right hand is Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Patricia Beene-Colasanti, a West Orange resident who was hired by Marenoff-Zausner ten years ago. Ask them about their own “service” aboard the World War II aircraft carrier and their excitement and enthusiasm are palpable.

“We have the ability and the physical gift of the Intrepid, which we utilize to give back daily to veterans and school children, two groups near and dear to my heart,” Marenoff-Zausner said. “It’s very rewarding and special to watch our team provide these sorts of experiences.” As a result, visitors under Marenoff-Zausner’s tenure have grown from 530,000 to over a million annually—a draw critical to maintaining and growing the facility’s programs as well as ensuring its future.

Marenoff-Zausner doesn’t focus on being the first woman in her job, but rather on being a team leader. The phrase “give back” arises frequently in conversation. A graduate of Binghamton University and a Duke University executive management program who became the youngest female vice-president at Madison Square Garden, she was recruited to be New York/New Jersey Venue Director for the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and succeeded in bringing the largest audience to Giants Stadium at the time, broadening the international fan base for women’s soccer.

“Building something from scratch was a great experience,” she said. “All the jobs I had as a teenager, from keeping the books for my dad’s business, working at a tennis club, and being a camp counselor taught me different things. Every role was a stepping stone. I love working with people and creating a unified mission.” She was also director of global marketing for the Women’s Tennis Association Tour when star players like Venus and Serena Williams emerged, and honed marketing skills promoting players, creating high impact branding campaigns, and negotiating one of the largest sponsorships in the history of women’s sports.

“Our dreams and accomplishments are led by Susan, who constantly challenges us to think big and reach for the best,” said Beene-Colasanti. “She inspires us to do and be all we can.”

A Tennessee native, Beene-Colasanti moved to Toms River in middle school, becoming a student government leader in high school. Early jobs included cashier, office manager, and a stint in banking. She later attended Georgian Court College, earning degrees in business administration and accounting, moving onto other businesses and consulting work in New York.

“One step led to the next as I gained greater experience and responsibility,” she said. Subsequent positions included CFO of NY Fast Ferry, which was about to expand when 9/11 occurred. In 2006, Beene-Colasanti was contacted by a recruiter seeking a CFO for the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

“I never worked at a not-for-profit—and wasn’t looking—but I went to see if I still had the New York stuff. I fell in love with the mission and the people. It’s the best career move I ever made.”

The women form a mutual admiration society and say they can’t remember an issue they weren’t on the same page on. They speak of a collegial spirit, sense of family, mutual respect, and commitment among staffers.

“We support each other, and have a lot of fun,” Beene-Colasanti said. “It’s really cool to work here. We have portholes in our offices!”—quickly adding an anecdote about returning to the aircraft carrier for its re-opening following a 2008 restoration.

“I was walking across the hangar deck and one of our World War II-era members was there in the quiet prior to opening,” she said. “He had come from Florida for the event and told me, ‘You did good by her.’ You get to know these heroes and their stories. It gets personal and emotional knowing we are the stewards and helping to tell the stories. It’s one of the best parts of the job.”

Youth are also a vital part of the Museum, with 200,000 visiting annually; 30,000 of which experience STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs. The GOALS (Greater Opportunities Advancing Leadership and Science) program steers girls toward STEM careers, while LIFTT (Leadership Institute for Today and Tomorrow) offers New York City high school juniors year-long programs and experiences to develop skills and prepare for college and careers. There are also programs for teachers.

“The kids are so engaged,” Marenoff-Zausner said. “They learn cool stuff and intense STEM concepts. It gives them opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. Some have been accepted into Ivy League schools…and some are the first in their families to go to college.” Programming for those with autism, cognitive disabilities, and post-traumatic stress are conducted by professionals, including touch tours for the blind.

Raising funds to augment existing sources of revenue is a constant and ongoing challenge. To that end, Marenoff-Zausner is on the Board of NYC & Company, the city’s official tourism agency, and is active in cultivating marketing partnerships and developing the Museum’s donor and membership base; critical to expanding programs and increasing recognition.

Star Power
Utilizing the Museum as a location for movies, television shows, and commercials also enhances recognition. Television shows Blind spot, Limitless, The Colbert Report, Blue Bloods, White Collar, and Royal Pains have filmed there, as have films like National Treasure, The Wolf of Wall Street, and I Am Legend, whose star Will Smith performed aboard the Intrepid. The carrier has also been a clue on Jeopardy twice.

“You meet incredible people who become big supporters when they learn about all we do,” Beene-Colasanti said. “We get NASA people, celebrities, diplomats and ambassadors, current and former presidents, athletes, and royalty. Some come incognito and pay for a ticket. Others come with an entourage.”

One stellar fan was the late Leonard Nimoy, who spoke during the 2012 arrival ceremony for the museum’s most high-profile acquisition—the Space Shuttle Enterprise—and recorded voiceovers for Museum exhibits. The facility vied with 28 applicants, prevailing by proving it was the best site to maximize appreciation of the historic reusable spacecraft. It was “a feat” getting the shuttle to JFK Airport, overseen by Intrepid’s Senior Vice President of Engineering, Facilities, and Security Matt Woods, who coordinated with NASA on weather conditions, tides, and other matters. Enterprise was moved to the Intrepid via barge on the Hudson River (with inches to spare as it glided under bridges) until it could be lifted by a massive crane onto the flight deck.

“It was spectacular,” recalled Marenoff-Zausner. “The Space Shuttle has become the most important and largest space asset in the Northeast corridor.” The Enterprise’s 17 exhibit zones feature original artifacts, photographs, audio, and films that immerse visitors in Shuttle science and history.

Historic aircraft from around the world are also housed at the Museum, such as bombers, spy planes, and the British Alpha Delta Concorde that set a world passenger jet speed record in 1996. Also on hand is the U.S. guided missile submarine Growler.

Historic Challenges
Months after the arrival of the Enterprise, Superstore Sandy wreaked havoc on Pier 86. Marenoff-Zausner and Beene- Colasanti kept in phone contact through the night and arrived at the site as soon as possible the next day. The team coalesced to repair and reopen the heavily damaged institution in eight weeks.

“Everybody here is so good at what they do and are smart and good people,” said Marenoff-Zausner. “There’s a lot of humor. We poke fun at each other, then roll up our sleeves and get the job done.”

Launched in 1943, the USS Intrepid survived five WWII kamikaze attacks and a torpedo strike. It later served in the Vietnam War and as a NASA recovery vessel until it was decommissioned in 1974. Its museum was founded in 1982.

Veterans are currently participating in the Intrepid’s Oral History Project, which is collecting stories of those who served aboard the carrier, as well as those associated with the Enterprise, the Concorde, and the Growler. A new restaurant will open in the Welcome Center this year, and plans are underway for Fleet Week 2016 over Memorial Day weekend, which kicks off with a gala on May 26 and will offer special programs, presentations, and displays honoring America’s servicemen and women. A state-of-the-art co-generation plant was recently completed while a permanent aircraft restoration building is under construction. The user experience is being studied with an eye to fine-tuning and finessing visits, and partnerships with educational and other organizations and major sponsors continue to grow and evolve.

The newest exhibition, opened in October, is the immersive On the Line: Intrepid and the Vietnam War, exploring the events and impact of that war through the lens of Intrepid, which served three tours of duty in Vietnam between 1966 and 1969. Using a recently-awarded New York State grant, the latest technology will help create 3-D laser scans of the ship.

The vessel’s Pier 86 site, referred to as a “city at sea,” includes a picturesque park, portions of which can be rented for parties and special events.

Marenoff-Zausner, who thrives on the “intersection of business and people,” works on strategy, goals, and objectives, and works closely with the Museum’s board of trustees. Beene-Colasanti manages budgets, finances, and grants, preparing reports for the board and management. Human resources, information technology, and risk management are also under her purview. Both are working on a new ticketing system as well as bringing the user experience into the digital age.

“Pat is one of the brightest people I have ever met; logical and perceptive,” Marenoff-Zausner said. “She’s not just a sounding board, but a co-strategize, providing checks and balances. We are proverbially attached at the hip. Because of Pat, we have been able to accomplish our dreams.” Beene-Colasanti serves on the advisory board of the Academy of St. Joseph of the Palisades in West New York, while Marenoff-Zausner serves on the board of the diverse health and fitness organization Kaplen JCC On The Palisades.

“I want to scream from the rooftop all that we do here,” Marenoff-Zausner said with a smile. “We do much more than meets the eye.”