After a three-month search Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta has named Debbie Palay as its new Director of Development. Ms. Palay began her tenure in January 2012. In this role, Ms. Palay will provide leadership in the development and implementation of the museum’s strategic fundraising plan to ensure that the museum meets contributed income goals.

“Debbie comes to us with a deep passion for children’s issues and has worked both professionally and as a community volunteer to raise awareness and funds for these issues for many years. I am confident that her passion and expertise will further advance the mission of the Museum in the months and years to come,” explains Jane Turner, executive director of The Children’s Museum.

Ms. Palay’s focal point for her new position is “to raise vital funds necessary for the day-to-day and long term operation and sustainability of the Museum, and also to raise awareness and support, within the community, for the Museum’s important mission.” 

Prior to joining the staff of The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Ms. Palay served as the Director of Sales and Events at Special Olympics Georgia where she was responsible for planning, managing, and implementing fundraising initiatives as well as cultivating and procuring new and renewed donors and sponsors.  Throughout her career, Ms. Palay has been affiliated with a variety of nonprofit organizations that champion children’s educational, health, and welfare concerns.  Ms. Palay received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University College, and subsequently earned a Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law where she was awarded the Agnor Scholarship for, “proven academic merit and exhibiting the highest standards of professionalism and service to the community”.  

Ms. Palay describes her excitement in embarking on her new adventure with The Museum, “As metro Atlanta's only children's museum, it fills a specific niche by providing a safe, educational, and nurturing environment where children can learn through smart play and develop the creative problem solving skills and emotional intelligence that they will need to succeed in the world of tomorrow.  I look forward to working with the staff, Board of Directors and volunteers in advancing the Museum’s important mission.”