Amanda Stirn was recently named Senior Assistant Director of Operations and Administration at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

Dr. José Leal, Director of the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, announced on Monday that Amanda Stirn has joined the museum’s leadership team as its first Senior Assistant Director of Operations and Administration.

As the Senior Assistant Director, Stirn will oversee the financial operations of the museum and assist with administrative functions and other management duties.

“We are really delighted that we have Amanda on the Shell Museum team now,” said Dr. Leal. “She has a good personality and she gets along well with everyone already. What set her apart from the rest of the (applicants) was her organization in her communications, her experience with not-for-profits, and the fact that she’s highly proficient in QuickBooks.”

Stirn, who has a degree in Business Administration and holds several financial certifications, comes to Southwest Florida from Yakima, Wash. Her background includes accounting, auditing, office management, business development, and contract management and analysis. She plans to use her experience to help the museum continue to improve and grow as a Sanibel tourist destination, including fundraising efforts, communication advances and customer service enhancements.

“I want the (team members) to feel as welcome and enthusiastic and on fire about the mission of the Museum as I do,” said Stirn. “If anything, I’ll carry on the torch for the foundation that was built many years ago. I think the educational programs are wonderful, and the access to information (about shells) is impressive.”

The Alexandria, La., native has also lived in Guam, Germany, New Mexico and several parts of Florida. When she is not playing the guitar and piano or painting pictures, she and her husband enjoy spending time on the family boat and combing the beach for shells.