Judy Covington is the new director of the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum because of a recommendation from Don Nelson, retired Scott & White public affairs director.
“I thought she offered a great combination of talent,” Nelson said, explaining why he took her name to the museum’s board of directors.
He knows Mrs. Covington as a friend.
“She has extensive background in business,” Nelson said. “She has a lot to offer.”
Mrs. Covington has managed the departments of organizational development for the AT&T Corp., the New York Times Co. and Metromedia Fiber Network.
Her experience wowed the board as much as it did Nelson.
“We’re real excited about her being on board,” said David Krauss, board chair. “We’re eager to see her apply a strong business plan to the museum.”
Since Jan. 2, her first day on the job, Mrs. Covington said she’s had opportunity to acquaint herself with the museum and the resources it offers the community.
“Our archives are quite extensive,” Mrs. Covington said. “Not many people know about it, but the archive collection is the best in the state.”
The archive collection includes timetables, passes, books, photographs and records that tell the history of not just the Santa Fe Railroad but also the local community.
“We’re digitizing the archives,” Mrs. Covington said. “I want to offer this museum, its archives and resources to the community, Central Texas and beyond.”
Her goals are to strengthen the museum’s relationships with the city and the county and to raise money.
“Fundraising is a primary goal,” Mrs. Covington said. “I want to expand the exhibits and the archival collection. I want to see membership increase at both the individual and corporate levels. All of this will be to make this museum an amazing experience.”
In the month that Mrs. Covington has assumed leadership at the museum, Gloria Harris, the education coordinator, said she’s brought organization and focus to work efforts.
“She’s also brought a lot of enthusiasm too,” Ms. Harris said. “It’s been a real fun place to work.”
Mrs. Covington’s not new to the Temple area. She’s lived here for about five years with her husband, George, and her 92-year-old mother, Rose Maloney. Her two children are in their 30s.
“I’m praying to be a grandma,” Mrs. Covington said, laughing. “One day, maybe.”
--Email Tomie Lunsford at tlunsford@temple-telegram.com
