Joan C. Cavanaugh — biography
Joan C. Cavanaugh, a graduate of Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, and the University of Illinois, began her varied career as a teacher in elementary and secondary schools as well as adult education classes. Switching gears after 13 years, she accepted a position in the Graphic Arts department of Arthur Young & Company, while pursuing her Ph.D. degree at New York University. In 1969, she was recruited by Manhattan’s Metropolitan Museum of Art where she combined her knowledge and love of the arts with her commitment to education. Here she launched the Met’s Educational Marketing Division under Tom Hoving, where she initiated the widely acclaimed Recorded Tours program.
Propelled by the desire to become an entrepreneur, Joan continued to work at the Museum as a consultant, while founding her own publishing company, WJ Fantasy, Inc., which published fine paper children’s art products including books illustrated by famous artists, as well as unique games and toys.
She also developed and produced custom-designed products for UNICEF, the National Wildlife Federation, Reader’s Digest, and the White House. Eight years later, her seven-figure company was sold to a private investment group.
An enthusiastic golfer, Joan is a member of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) and founded three LPGA – USGA Junior Golf Programs in Connecticut, New York City, and Lakeland, Florida. She has held many leadership positions in the EWGA including Education Chair, Vice President, Connecticut Chapter President, and member of the National Board of Directors from 2004-2007. She is also President of the EWGA Foundation and serves on a focus group for the USGA Women’s Committee. She enjoys inspiring women to use golf as a tool in advancing their careers, as well helping them achieve physical and emotional fitness.
Joan was the first winner of the Member-Get-A-Member Campaign and was awarded a round of golf with Michele McGann, seven-time major LPGA tour winner. She was awarded the 2003 Canon USA Businesswoman of the Year Award, as well as the Office Depot Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2004. In 2006, she was a guest of the Ministry of Thailand and conducted a week long seminar and workshop for 150 museum and university professionals on making their museum collections more interpretive and interesting.
Joan currently lives in Lakeland, Florida and New York City. She has five grandchildren.
Joan was the first winner of the
Member-Get-A-Member Campaign and was awarded a round of golf with Michele McGann, seven-time major LPGA tour winner.