Valerie Huaco named Deputy Director for Collections & Research and Chief Innovation Officer
We are pleased to announce that the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Toronto, has appointed Valerie Huaco as its new Deputy Director for Collections & Research and Chief Innovation Officer. Huaco was selected following an extensive international search led by Museum Search & Reference Principal Marilyn Hoffman and Senior Search Consultant Connie Rosemont. Huaco began work at ROM on June 1, 2022.
Peggy Hennelly-Maniates appointed Executive Director
We are delighted to announce that the Wright Museum of World War II, Wolfeboro, NH, has selected Margaret (Peggy) Hennelly-Maniates as its new Executive Director, selected after a nationwide search conducted by Museum Search and Reference Senior Search Consultant Connie Rosemont. Ms. Hennelly-Maniates' appointment was unanimously approved by the museum's Board of Directors. Hennelly-Maniates will start work in her new position on July 1, 2022.
Jody Sowell, PhD, appointed President
After an extensive nationwide search lead by Museum Search & Reference senior search consultants Dan Keegan and Ida Tomlin, the Trustees of the Missouri Historical Society (MHS) in St. Louis have unanimously appointed Jody Sowell, PhD, to be the new president of the Missouri Historical Society, which operates the Missouri History Museum, MHS Library & Research Center and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, effective July 11, 2022, following the retirement of President Frances Levine, PhD.
Lori Ledoux appointed Communications and Programs Coordinator
Lori LeDoux began her new position at the Art Complex Museum in March 2022. She will oversee communications and will be the chief strategist for outreach and program coordination for the museum, which celebrates its 51st anniversary this year. The museum is preparing for its grand re-opening in May 2022 after two years of major interior and landscape renovations.
Jennifer R. Henneman, PhD appointed Curator of Western American Art and Director, Petrie Institute of Western American Art
Jennifer Henneman, previously serving as associate curator at the Denver Art Museum, assumed her new leadership position in February 2022. “During my six years at the DAM, I have worked to expand the scope of the western American art canon,” Henneman said. “I look forward to continuing these efforts and am committed to inclusive storytelling and collaborative curation to highlight important stories of the West.”
Heather Arnet appointed new Executive Director & CEO
Museum Search & Reference is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Arnet to be the next Executive Director & CEO of The Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington, Long Island, New York. Robin T. Hadley, Chair of the Board said, “Heather brings a wealth of leadership experience, innovative thinking, and community engagement to the Museum. We are fortunate to be adding someone of her caliber to The Heckscher Museum.” Arnet will join the Museum in June 2022.
Dr. Maura Reilly named as Director
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Maura Reilly as the next Director of the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Reilly was selected after a national search led by Lora Urbanelli, a Senior Search Consultant at Museum Search & Reference.
