What does a museum CFO actually do? Far more than manage budgets. In this episode of the Cultural Animals: Museum Leadership Lab, host Antonio Velasco sits down with Dave Togni, Chief Financial Officer of the Corning Museum of Glass, to unpack what 25 years in museum finance really looks like. From navigating maritime insurance for a traveling glassblowing barge to developing flame-free technology for artists performing on cruise ships, Dave shares how museum finance extends far beyond spreadsheets, along with lessons from leading through COVID-19 and managing major operational change.

The conversation also explores the realities museum leaders face today, including tighter philanthropic markets, reduced international tourism, and the growing importance of marketing and technology investment. Dave shares practical budget benchmarks, insights into board strategy, and why frontline staff may be one of the most overlooked drivers of financial success, offering a candid look at what it takes to sustain and grow a modern museum.

Thank you for joining us on this journey and being part of today's conversation. If this episode inspired you or made you curious to learn more, please like and subscribe to the Cultural Animals: Museum Leadership Lab podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Don't forget to follow Veevart on LinkedIn, Meta, and X for our latest stories, topics, and updates about future episodes. Thanks again for listening, and as always, stay curious. All the links are in the description below.

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Releasedatum: 19-3-2026 19:00:00