The Irish American Heritage Museum (IAHM), one of the nation’s premier institutions dedicated to preserving and celebrating Irish-American history and culture, has elected longtime Museum trustee Denise Murphy McGraw as Chair of its Board of Trustees.
McGraw succeeds national Ancient Order of Hibernians leader Liam Nabb, whose leadership helped guide the Museum through a period of growth and expanded programming.
The Board of Trustees also elected retired banker David Foster as Vice Chair and re-elected “Irish” Don Kelly as Secretary and Pat Hale as Treasurer, completing the Museum’s Executive Committee.
In addition, the Museum welcomed three new members to its Board of Trustees: Kim DePeaux, President of the Schenectady Kennedy Division 1 of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and a respected leader within the organization at the local, state, and national levels; prominent Capital Region attorney Tom Gleason; and Erik Smith, Chief Financial Officer of the New York State Office of General Services.
“Denise has long been one of New York’s and the nation’s most effective champions of Irish heritage and culture,” said Executive Director Michael Clarke. “Her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Irish-American history, traditions, and community engagement makes her uniquely qualified to lead the Museum. I look forward to working with Denise as we continue to strengthen the Museum’s position as one of America’s leading Irish cultural institutions.”
A partner at the venerable New York State government relations firm Hill, Gosdeck & McGraw, McGraw is serving her second three-year term on the Museum’s Board of Trustees. She is active with the Schenectady Division of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, the National Irish American Hall of Fame Society, and serves as National Co-Chair of Catholics Vote Common Good. In 2025, she was named a Hero of Irish America by The Irish Echo, the nation’s leading Irish-American publication.
Earlier this year, McGraw played a leading role in bringing Irish Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason to New York’s Capital Region as keynote speaker for the Schenectady LAOH’s 125th Anniversary Gala. During the visit, the Ambassador met with Governor Kathy Hochul, attended Mass with Bishop Mark W. O’Connell, and participated in a series of community and cultural events celebrating the enduring ties between Ireland and the Capital Region. Most recently, McGraw was one of only eight Irish-American leaders from across the United States invited to the Embassy of Ireland in Washington, D.C., for discussions on strengthening engagement with the Irish diaspora and deepening connections between Ireland and Irish-American communities. McGraw also collaborated with noted Irish historian Dr. Elizabeth Stack on the nationally acclaimed program, From Scullery to Soapbox: The Radical Legacy of Irish American Women, which has helped elevate the story of Irish-American women’s contributions to labor, political, and social justice movements throughout the United States.
“It is a tremendous honor to be elected Chair of the Irish American Heritage Museum,” said McGraw. “The Museum plays a vital role in preserving the stories, traditions, and contributions of Irish Americans while helping new generations understand the rich legacy that continues to shape our communities and our nation. I look forward to working with Executive Director Michael Clarke, my fellow board members, our supporters, and the broader community to build on the Museum’s success and ensure an even stronger future.”
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