Blue Mountain Lake, NY – The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX) welcomed its new Director of Advancement, Seamus Collins, on July 21, 2025. Collins is a nationally respected philanthropy leader with over 30 years of experience advancing mission-driven institutions through strategic fundraising, donor engagement, and organizational leadership. He has built top-performing advancement programs at Lahey Clinic, Cushing Academy, and Nuvance Health, where his leadership has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in philanthropic support. In addition to his healthcare philanthropy achievements, Collins has made a lasting impact in education—founding Harvard Education Advisors to support international students and leading development at Cushing Academy, where he significantly increased annual and major gift revenue. 

“Seamus is known for creating a culture of philanthropy, building authentic relationships with donors, and instilling entrepreneurial energy and purpose across the teams he leads,” said David Kahn, ADKX Executive Director. “His wealth of fundraising knowledge and deep commitment to the region and the museum will help our organization to continue to move forward into the future.” 

A native of Vermont, Collins spent many childhood trips exploring the Adirondacks with his family and lived in the region after college. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, biking, and skiing—and brings that same sense of adventure, connection to place, and passion for community to his professional work. 

“It’s a true honor to join the Adirondack Experience as Director of Advancement. Like so many, I fell in love with this region’s natural beauty, history, and sense of community. I’m inspired every day by the museum’s role in preserving and sharing the rich cultural legacy of the Adirondacks. I look forward to working with supporters and partners across the region to help ADKX thrive and grow in the years to come,” said Collins. 

As the Director of Advancement, Collins will be taking the reins from the current Director, Sarah Lewin, who will be transitioning into a new role as Senior Advisor of Advancement. In her 20 years of extraordinary service, Lewin has played a pivotal role in securing the resources that have allowed ADKX to expand exhibitions, protect the collections, and grow as a vital cultural institution in the Adirondacks. Collins and Lewin will be working closely with Executive Director David Kahn to ensure a seamless transition and sustained philanthropic momentum.