When the chance to work for something associated with The Allman Brothers Band came along, Susan Long knew she had to take it.
"I think if I didn't take the job, my family would have disowned me," she said, chuckling.
The Big House Foundation has tapped Long to be executive director of The Allman Brothers Band Museum. The museum will be located in The Big House, the band's former Vineville Avenue home. Work on the museum already is under way.
Long began the job May 1. Her previous jobs have included communications and development director for the Hay House, a fundraising consultant for the Tubman African American Museum and a position with Macon Arts.
"I'm really excited about it," Long said. "Two things attracted me: the great economic development it will provide for Macon and Bibb County, and the great music education program the board and the foundation want to have."
There's a target opening date of April 2009, which would mark the 40th anniversary of the band's start.
Long said a new roof recently was put on the house, but there's still plenty of work to be done, including replacing pipes, building displays, putting in a new air conditioning/heating system and installing new lighting.
The level of support from fans of the Allman Brothers should help make the museum a success, she said.
"There are so many Allman Brothers fans around the world, I think people in Macon will be astounded at the interest in the museum," she said.
Long, a graduate of Baylor University, also has served as communications director for DeKalb County, as a press aide to former U.S. Rep. Bill Stuckey Jr. and as executive director of the Macon 2000 Partnership for Excellence in Education. She is a former business editor and writer for The Macon Telegraph and News.
"Susan's extensive fundraising, public relations and marketing experience, as well as her background in museum and nonprofit management and educational program development, are a good match for The Allman Brothers Band Museum," Bob Johnson, president of the Big House Foundation, said in a release.
To contact writer Phillip Ramati, call 744-4334.
