Former State Senator Joe Simitian
As the Palo Alto Museum moves forward on the exciting journey toward opening our doors in Spring 2026, we are thrilled to announce that Former State Senator Joe Simitian has joined as Honorary Chair.
A respected public servant, Joe’s four-decade career has included leadership as President of the Palo Alto School Board, Mayor of Palo Alto, Santa Clara County Supervisor, State Assembly member and State Senator.
In his new role at the Museum, Joe will serve as a key ambassador—raising visibility, inspiring community participation, and championing the Museum’s mission and impact. He will work closely with our Board of Directors, President and CEO Marguerite Gong Hancock, and fellow Honorary Chairs Clay Carson, Dean Clark, Gloria Hom, David Kennedy, and Susan Packard Orr.
“Joe’s leadership and passion for community-building will help the Museum continue to move forward boldly into the future,” said Marguerite. “He brings deep experience in public service and a longstanding commitment to our community. Together, Joe and all of our Honorary Chairs embody the spirit of the Museum—linking people, ideas, and meaningful impact.”
Joe’s connection to the Museum runs deep. As a Santa Clara County Supervisor, he championed the County’s Historic Grant Program, which contributed crucial funding toward the restoration of our home in downtown Palo Alto—the 1932 Birge Clark–designed historic landmark Roth Building. Those early investments made possible the restoration or renovation of the historic tile roof and windows, 1940s Otis elevator, and Victor Arnautoff frescoes on the building’s facade.
Now, that foundation is setting the stage for what comes next—a 20,000-square-foot dynamic cultural and civic center brought to life with dynamic exhibits, events, and education programs.
“It has been tremendously satisfying to help bring the Museum this far,” Joe shared. “But what excites me most is what comes next… transforming the wonderfully restored historic building into a living, breathing community space. The Palo Alto Museum will not only preserve our history—it will spark new conversations and connections to help us build a better future together. It’s exactly the kind of vibrant civic and cultural anchor Palo Alto deserves.”
Joe’s leadership was instrumental during the transformation of our building, and his enthusiasm for the Museum’s future captures the excitement we feel as we prepare to open our doors next Spring.
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Joe as Honorary Chair!