CEO.
Trustee.
Strategist.
Dreamer.
CEO. Trustee. Strategist. Dreamer.
Crystal Bowyer, Principal Consultant, believes that dreaming big—and acting boldly—is the key to solving the world’s most pressing challenges. Guided by this philosophy, she has dedicated her career in philanthropy to improving the lives of children, advancing equitable education, and harnessing the power of nonprofits to meet the diverse needs of communities. She loves to help organizations and individuals turn visionary ideas into transformative impact.
With more than 20 years of experience in government and nonprofit administration, Bowyer has always worked to achieve missions that will make a positive impact. As President + CEO of the Congressionally-designated National Children’s Museum from 2017-2024, she played a pivotal role in leading the institution to its historic reopening in downtown Washington, DC, in February 2020. Under her leadership, the museum served more than a million visitors with innovative exhibits and programs and launched virtual initiatives to reach millions more through digital programs and engagement.
Bowyer set a bold, new vision for the museum, anchored it through the challenges of the pandemic, expanded the organization’s donor base and revenue streams, and spearheaded advocacy with Congressional leaders in order to introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation and secure government support. She worked to fill gaps in public school education by partnering with local leaders and developing exhibits to meet curriculum cornerstones. A passionate advocate for sharing scientific research and empowering children, Bowyer worked to open the first exhibit in a children’s museum focused on climate change and action. The celebrated exhibition was later adapted into a virtual field trip and shared by the U.S. Department of Education with educators across the country.
At the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Bowyer served as the Chief Strategy and External Affairs Officer. She supported the launch of two different capital campaigns and strategic plans for the iconic institution, including the plan for the Museum’s Centennial. During her tenure in leadership, the Museum opened its first climate change exhibition, launched the $380 Limitless Campaign, and rebranded due to a transformational contribution.
Previously, Bowyer held leadership roles at the Chicago Children’s Choir and Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, where she received the Employee of the Year Award for Outstanding Innovation. A Missouri native, Bowyer earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri and a Master of Nonprofit Administration from University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, receiving the Dean Woo Fellowship for Leadership.
A fierce advocate for cultural institutions everywhere, Bowyer has helped museums across the country receive federal support through her guidance, webinars, calls, and ongoing information sharing. She regularly presents at and has facilitated for local, national, and international conferences including the American Alliance of Museums, Association of Science and Technology Centers, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Association of Children’s Museums. Details and recordings on Bowyer’s facilitation and presentations can be found on the Panels & Presentations page.
In Washington, DC, Bowyer founded the Museum Directors Group and organized regular convenings and information sharing to support the entire cultural community. During her tenure as CEO of the National Children’s Museum, the institution was tapped to facilitate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) programming for the White House Easter Egg Roll, Cherry Blossom Festival, and several other international events in our nation’s capital.
In addition to federal earmarks, Bowyer has successfully secured federal support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Endowment for the Arts, and National Science Foundation. She also joined museum leaders from across the country on Caretakers of Wonder, a project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services tasked with developing age-appropriate climate change education curriculum for children under eight.
Bowyer was appointed to the Coalition for Women’s Appointments in Arts and Humanities for the Biden-Harris Administration, and she was named to the 40 Under 40 List by the Washington Business Journal. Bowyer has been featured by various publications including The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, CNN, and Parents magazine. More can be found on the Media page.
Find Bowyer on LinkedIn.
