Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Names Kim Kleven Chief Executive Officer, affirming a Bold Commitment to Access, Play, and Community Impact

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) proudly announces Kim Kleven as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a powerful moment of continuity, conviction, and bold leadership for the organization.

Following a unanimous vote, the CMSM Board of Directors made the intentional decision not to conduct a national search, recognizing that the Museum’s future demands a leader with deep roots, proven vision, and unwavering belief in the power of play.

“This decision was rooted in the Museums mission,” said Shane Van Engen, Board Chair. “The Board was in full agreement and voted unanimously to affirm Kim Kleven in this role as she already represents the leadership, experience, and commitment to early childhood learning that this Museum requires. Her 20 years of connection to CMSM and deep understanding of our community make her the clear choice to lead the organization into the future.”

Kleven’s story is inseparable from the CMSM itself. Long before the Museum opened its doors, she envisioned a place where every child regardless of background or circumstance could learn, grow, and thrive through play.

Her career in early childhood education began at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where a work-study position at The Children’s House shaped her belief that play is not supplemental to learning it is learning. After earning a degree in Family Life Child Development with a minor in Early Childhood/Parent Education, Kleven spent more than a decade working directly with children and families across Southern Minnesota, advocating for accessible, high-quality early learning experiences.

The idea for CMSM was first sparked 20 years ago, when Kleven’s family visited the Children’s Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota—igniting a vision among the founders that would later transform the region.

“I remember thinking, our community deserves this,” Kleven said. “Children deserve spaces that honor curiosity, imagination, and joy and families deserve places where they feel welcome and connected.”

That belief helped lay the foundation for CMSM. Over the years, Kleven served the Museum as a volunteer, curriculum writer, program developer, board member, Board Chair, and senior staff leader, guiding the organization through major milestones, including the opening of its permanent home.

In 2021, Kleven returned to staff as Vice President of Play & Learning, leading strategic efforts to expand access through scholarships and outreach, strengthen play-based learning experiences, invest in staff and long-term sustainability, and deepen CMSM’s role as a trusted community partner.

As CEO, Kleven will lead CMSM with a clear and unwavering focus: ensuring that all children and families have access to the power of play.

“Play is how children build confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging,” Kleven said. “When we invest in play, we invest in equity, in families, and in the future of our community. This Museum exists because children deserve spaces designed for them and I am deeply honored to lead that work forward.”

Kim Kleven’s appointment represents more than a leadership transition it is a reaffirmation of the Museum’s mission, values, and belief that play changes lives. Guided by vision, grounded in community, and fueled by purpose, CMSM moves forward under Kleven’s leadership with clarity, courage, and heart.

About the Children’s Museum:

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. The Museum engages diverse audiences from across our region and enriches children and families with opportunities for hands-on play.

Since opening its doors in 2015, over 100,000 visitors—young and old—have visited annually. A central draw to the Museum is its interactive exhibits and a wide variety of programs, which focus on play, exploration, and ongoing education; STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs; theater and cultural experiences, as well as many Ag education offerings. The Children’s Museum offers daily opportunities for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to explore and play with their children in its indoor and outdoor spaces. More information at www.cmsouthernmn.org.