There’s a new sheriff in town! Please join us in celebrating the appointment of highly experienced local business and community leader Todd Bankofier as Western Spirit’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director.
David Sherf, Interim Executive Director and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for hiring Bankofier. “We are so pleased to welcome Todd to our team as the new Executive Director and CEO. Given his proven track record of success in both business and the nonprofit sector, we are confident in his ability to help shape a bold new vision for Western Spirit. With his broad knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, we look forward to seeing Todd leverage the latest innovations to help us engage and inspire audiences worldwide.”
“I am truly honored to have been selected to lead this esteemed organization,” said Bankofier. “Countless talented people have dedicated so much of their time and treasure to bring about this museum and make it what it is today. I am committed to working with the outstanding team at Western Spirit to continue advancing the museum’s mission and vision, ultimately guiding our award-winning institution to even greater heights.”
Bankofier holds a BS in business management from Arizona State University and is a 35-year resident of Scottsdale. Along with his many professional accolades, Bankofier encompasses a true Western spirit with life-long ties to the West and Scottsdale.
Bankofier spent the first 17 years of his life on a ranch outside of Reno, NV. He spent his early youth immersed in raising cattle and sheep and a lot of time watching his siblings and father compete in rodeo’s on the weekend. “Yes, the western culture was all I knew growing up. It’s in my DNA,” he says. “This beautiful Museum represents all the wonderful attributes of how the West was settled and built over the years. A meaningful education for all of us”
He is married to Kimberley and they have three children, Kylee, Scooter and Bailey (he even asked Kim to marry him while on a horseback ride in the McDowell Mountains!)
“I am so excited to show this magnificent Museum to all the millions of visitors who come to our valley and Scottsdale each year, not to mention many of Arizona’s own citizens who don’t realize it is here,” exclaimed Bankofier. “That will be the challenge and the fun associated with the job.”