Museum News and Press Releases

« See All News

SARATOGA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM NAMES STEVE POTTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

May 30, 2006

For Immediate Release
Saratoga Springs, NY

Bob Bailey, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Saratoga Automobile Museum, has announced the appointment of Steve Potter as Executive Director of the museum, effective June 1st. ÏSteve is arriving at an opportune time, as the museum enters its fifth year,Ó Bailey said. ÏHis extensive experience in the automobile and motorsports industries, and his background as a journalist are important resources for our museum.Ó

Formerly the Vice President and General Manager of Lime Rock Park, a road racing course in Lakeville, CT., Potter has had a long career in the sports marketing and automotive public relations field, following nine years as motorsports correspondent for the New York Times.

Potter was the manager of sports marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA from 1995 to 2001 and was a provider of consultant services to the New York Auto Show, Ford Motor Division, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda Motors of America and Jaguar Cars of North America. He spent six years as East Coast Public Relations Manager for Mazda Motor of America. He served as senior editor of MotorWeek Illustrated for Turner Broadcasting early in his career.

During his tenure with Mercedes-Benz, Potter handled programs in menÌs professional golf through the PGA Tour, tennis with the ATP Tour and the CART FedEx Championship Series and the US Grand Prix in motorsports.

ÏSteve has worked in the automobile industry most of his life and is recognized throughout the countryÓ said search committee member Jean Hoffman. ÏAlso impressive is the fact that he is personable and goes out of his way to make people feel welcome. That is a hallmark of this auto museum, so I think heÌll fit in perfectly with our professional staff and volunteers.Ó

Along with his professional experience on the business side of motorsports, Potter spent 15 years behind the wheel, winning a pair of Sports Car Club of America divisional championships and competing for a season in the rough and tumble modified division at New JerseyÌs Wall Stadium.

Potter holds a bachelors degree from Harvard University and did graduate work in clinical psychology at Rutgers University. His wife, Kathy Drake, is a retired editor at Money Magazine and a Skidmore graduate. They are in the process of relocating to the Saratoga area.

The mission of the Saratoga Automobile Museum is to display significant cars, trucks, and vehicles that not only represent the automotive heritage of New York State but the entire world of motorized transportation. The Museum is chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York Department of Education and in addition to organizing permanent and temporary exhibits, the Museum hosts a variety of workshops, interactive displays, lectures, and outdoor shows.

The Saratoga Automobile Museum is located on the grounds of Saratoga Spa State Park at 110 Avenue of the Pines. For more information, guests can also visit the MuseumÌs website at www.saratogaautomuseum.org or call (518) 587-1935.