Kim Greer, Steinbeck center president, was 49
Kim Greer, Steinbeck center president, was 49
SALINAS, CA -- Kim Greer, president and chief executive officer of the National Steinbeck Center, died March 28 at his home in Monterey. He was 49.
Mr. Greer had been director of the National Steinbeck Center since January 1998. He had six months to complete construction of the center, hire a staff, develop an operating budget and strategy, and work with many volunteer committees on grand opening events and capital campaign efforts. Much to his credit, the center celebrated its grand opening as scheduled in June 1998. The center achieved many milestones under his guidance, including the Steinbeck Centennial in 2002 and the opening of the Rabobank Agriculture Museum in 2003.
"We will miss Kim as a friend and as a leader in our community. He was extremely talented and through his work at the center, he made a lasting contribution to Salinas," Bruce Taylor, past chairman of the board of the center, said in a statement.
Jeff Gilles, current chairman of the board, stated, "Kim demonstrated vision and leadership and was a guiding force of the National Steinbeck Center. The board and staff will be working closely together to see that museum operations continue, as he would have wanted."
Board member Thomas Steinbeck, son of John Steinbeck, said in a statement: "The Steinbeck family is truly saddened and distressed at the news of the passing of our dear friend, Kim Greer. It was through his tireless efforts, integrity, broad insights, imagination and personal sacrifices that the National Steinbeck Center has come to represent such an important cultural and social amendment for the city of Salinas. His sensitivity and high regard for the traditions of literacy and education, as well as his appreciation for the literary contributions of John Steinbeck, are to be seen in the many and diverse programs instituted at the center. We send to one and all our profound and prayerful condolences, and the wish that those who loved him as we do, will come together to carry on his work."
Mr. Greer earned a bachelor's in business administration from California State University-Fullerton and attended the executive education program at Michigan State University School of Business. Prior to the center, he held various positions with Household International, including branch and facility management.
Mr. Greer is survived by his former wife, Kathy Greer; their children, Noelle, 15, and Jackson, 12; four siblings; and his mother, Muriel.
Mr. Greer had been director of the National Steinbeck Center since January 1998. He had six months to complete construction of the center, hire a staff, develop an operating budget and strategy, and work with many volunteer committees on grand opening events and capital campaign efforts. Much to his credit, the center celebrated its grand opening as scheduled in June 1998. The center achieved many milestones under his guidance, including the Steinbeck Centennial in 2002 and the opening of the Rabobank Agriculture Museum in 2003.
"We will miss Kim as a friend and as a leader in our community. He was extremely talented and through his work at the center, he made a lasting contribution to Salinas," Bruce Taylor, past chairman of the board of the center, said in a statement.
Jeff Gilles, current chairman of the board, stated, "Kim demonstrated vision and leadership and was a guiding force of the National Steinbeck Center. The board and staff will be working closely together to see that museum operations continue, as he would have wanted."
Board member Thomas Steinbeck, son of John Steinbeck, said in a statement: "The Steinbeck family is truly saddened and distressed at the news of the passing of our dear friend, Kim Greer. It was through his tireless efforts, integrity, broad insights, imagination and personal sacrifices that the National Steinbeck Center has come to represent such an important cultural and social amendment for the city of Salinas. His sensitivity and high regard for the traditions of literacy and education, as well as his appreciation for the literary contributions of John Steinbeck, are to be seen in the many and diverse programs instituted at the center. We send to one and all our profound and prayerful condolences, and the wish that those who loved him as we do, will come together to carry on his work."
Mr. Greer earned a bachelor's in business administration from California State University-Fullerton and attended the executive education program at Michigan State University School of Business. Prior to the center, he held various positions with Household International, including branch and facility management.
Mr. Greer is survived by his former wife, Kathy Greer; their children, Noelle, 15, and Jackson, 12; four siblings; and his mother, Muriel.
