Chad: Maybe we can ride Pirates of the Caribbean after we meet them at Crystal Palace tomorrow. That is a good display of the animatronics and then we can go back stage to see what it takes to put something like that in place.

Theo: That’s a great idea.

They finish the exhibits tour, take a restroom break and meet back in the conference room.

Bette: Jim, Katherine so glad you are able to join us.

Jim: Great to see you again Bette and by the way, congratulations!

Katherine: Yes Bette, congratulations.

Chad: What are they congratulating you on Bette?

Bette: Yesterday the second parent adoption of my daughter Angelica became final. I was out of the office all day yesterday with the court hearing and just spending the day with my family.

Teresa: That is a big deal, congratulations!

Theo: That’s great! How old is Angelica?

Bette: She’s 20 months and a wonderful handful.

Chad: Well hold onto your hat those terrible twos are coming.

Bette: So we’ve been warned. There are box lunches there on the table, just select one that appeals to you. Mandy has a great assortment of salads, New York sandwiches and more traditional choices.

Theo: I definitely want one of those New York favorites. What do you suggest?

Mark: Nothing says New York deli like either the whitefish on a bagel or the lox.

Charlie: I love New York Pastrami.

Theo: I was hoping you’d narrow my choices, thanks guys.

Teresa: Well I just did; I swiped that whitefish.

Chad: I’m having pastrami.

Theo: See what happens when you take a moment to think. Those marketing types just run right by you.

Everyone grabs lunch and they enjoy meaningful business discussions about the Whitney. Jim does a good job of laying out the Whitney’s historical role in the city and on the art scene, while Katherine chimes in on how Bette is able to make those old themes relevant today.

Jim: Even in this economy, under Bette’s leadership our patron and donor list grows. That is remarkable for any art institution.

Katherine: I believe Bette had shown New Yorkers three things: She’s made New Yorkers feel like this museum has something for everyone, her focus on families and our school programs give the Whitney “a heart” and finally bringing in the special exhibit from the King Center put the Whitney in communities and on annual lists we’ve never been on  before. She’s expanded our reach with events and exhibits that are relevant to New Yorkers and tourists alike. My teenage kids actually think its “cool” that I’m on the board of the Whitney!