Deborah Chessey

Note: This is one in a series of spotlights on MOI staff members who have been named a “Keefer Fellow,” a monthly program aimed at recognizing staffers for their contributions to the museum and the community.

Q: Explain what you do at the museum in 20 words or less.

Deborah: As the Director of Corporate Partnerships, I raise funds and maintain community connections.

Q: What’s a museum-related accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of?

Deborah: I am most proud of working with the talented team at the Museum of Idaho and helping to bring world-class exhibitions to our region. The most fun that I have at work is our Haunted History Tours that we do the last two weekends of October.

Q: What do you do for fun?

Deborah: I enjoy hiking, fishing and spending time outdoors near the water.

Q: What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this (and if money were no object)?

Deborah: My dream job would be writing a travel blog. Ideally, I would be able to travel around the world staying in luxurious locations, eating exotic food, and learning about international cultures and traditions. And then I would write about them and add important tips such as “bring Imodium and bug spray when you travel here.”

Q: What’s the weirdest / most interesting past job you’ve had?

Deborah: My most interesting jobs were working in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Each of these jobs gave me the opportunity to be outside, near water, with hiking and fishing easily accessible.

Q: What’s something – large or small, useful or not – that you’re really good at?

Deborah: I am an excellent driver.

Q: What were you like in high school?

Deborah: In high school, I was shy and studious.  I didn’t have much of a social life, but I did read a bunch of great books.

Q: What’s your favorite book, movie, and TV show?

Deborah: Currently, my favorite book is “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran.  My favorite movie is “Life is Beautiful” and my favorite television show will probably always be “Seinfeld”.

Q: Tell us something about you that might surprise us.

Deborah: I am fluent in Pig Latin.