Erika Schaefer is the Executive Director of the Monmouth Museum, a 15,000-square-foot cultural institution in Monmouth County, New Jersey that serves more than 50,000 visitors annually. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and arts programming, Erika has transformed the Museum into a vibrant hub for inclusive exhibitions, STEAM-based education, and community engagement.

Since stepping into the role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Erika has expanded the Museum’s reach through strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution and NASA, the development of satellite exhibition sites, and the launch of initiatives that prioritize accessibility and equity in the arts. Under her leadership, the Museum has grown its educational offerings, strengthened its financial sustainability, and deepened its role as a regional arts leader.

Erika holds an MBA from Wagner College and a Bachelor of Technology in Communication Design from CUNY. She is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices, creating engaging arts experiences for all ages, and using the arts as a catalyst for community connection and lifelong learning. She serves as a board member with The Arc of Monmouth and Chairs the Brooklyn Home Foundation, supporting the needs of seniors in our communities.