Endowing Art Excellence and Access

Bill and Marlene Hansen’s relationship with the Cleveland Museum of Art goes all the way back to Marlene’s childhood, when she visited the museum during summer breaks, fostering an enduring appreciation for art and culture. Bill’s connection followed years later when he moved to Cleveland and met Marlene. On their second date in 1986, he took her to the CMA’s May Show—an experience that remains a special and memorable part of their shared history with the museum. 

Marlene has deep roots in Northeast Ohio, earning both her bachelor’s degree and her MBA from Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. She currently serves as a senior manager of human resources at Energizer Holdings, where she is a global human resources business partner.

Bill retired as an executive vice president and general counsel of the Richard E. Jacobs Group, a commercial real estate developer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from California State University, Long Beach, and a juris doctor from the University of Chicago Law School. Throughout the course of his distinguished career, Bill provided strategic legal leadership and counsel, serving as a trusted advisor to the REJ Group, where he assisted in shaping and advancing the organization’s growth and long-term success. He is also a recognized community leader in Cleveland, and is a professional fellow at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.

Bill and Marlene enjoy staying connected to the museum throughout the year, exploring its permanent collection, taking advantage of its exceptional special exhibitions, and learning more about works of art in person at lectures, special programs, and through the CMA’s Collection Online. They especially like to read each issue of the member publication Cleveland Art to gain a deeper understanding of what is happening at the museum, the ways it is advancing its mission, and how they can get more involved.

Over the years, the Hansens have deeply admired the museum’s iconic architecture and its extensive, multifaceted collection. Their most recent gift has been inspired by their appreciation of the CMA’s commitment to free general admission, which ensures that its extraordinary collection remains accessible to everyone, regardless of status or background. 

This transformational gift, the Marlene and William Hansen Endowment, supports essential operations, helping keep admission free, “for the benefit of all the people forever.” For the Hansens, supporting the CMA in this way is a natural extension of their lifelong relationship with the museum and commitment to preserving its excellence and accessibility for years to come.