A Farewell to Retiring Foundation CEO Abigail Eaton
- dagnycosby
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation is bidding a fond farewell to former CEO Abigail Eaton.
Eaton had a storied 28-year history with the Foundation, beginning with volunteering at the 1997 annual Chocolate Fantasy gala fundraiser. After five dedicated years of volunteer work, she was hired on
in 2002 as an Event Coordinator, and shortly thereafter moved to a Development position, where she worked for 10 years. After a hiatus in 2012, Eaton returned to the Foundation as a consultant in 2015, and was hired as CEO in 2019, where she led the organization for six years until her retirement in May of 2025.
Eaton’s accomplishments at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation have been many. During her time at the organization, she helped raise over $16 million in funds, bringing to the Museum world-class traveling exhibits such as Da Vinci – The Genius, Dogs, a Science Tail!, Chocolate: The Exhibition, and Conserving America’s Wildlands: The Vision of Ted Turner, as well as Museum exhibits such as STARTUP: Albuquerque and the Personal Computer Revolution and the recently opened Bradbury Stamm Construction Hall of Ancient Life.
“I’ve always been committed to the mission of the Foundation and the Museum,” said Eaton, “and I will remain a staunch supporter in the future. I’m proud of the positions I’ve held at the Foundation, and am very, very proud of all the accomplishments in my time there.”
NMMNHF Board Chair Dan Treibel offered a heartfelt farewell on Eaton’s departure, stating, "For many years, Abigail has been the heart and soul of our Museum Foundation. Her tireless commitment has been instrumental in the Museum's success. Even during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Abigail's steady hand ensured the foundation not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger.
"On behalf of the entire Museum Foundation board and staff, we extend our deepest gratitude to Abigail for her remarkable service. We wish her all the best in her retirement and hope she enjoys this new chapter to the fullest."
