Karen Knecht appointed Executive Director

The Lancaster Science Factory in Pennsylvania has appointed Karen Knecht as their next Executive Director. Knecht will begin her new role August 7, 2024. MS&R Senior Search Consultant Dan Yaeger led the search.

Knecht built her career at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, PA, where for 24 years she has served in a variety of educational roles culminating with her most recent title as Senior Director of STEAM Education. She has led numerous initiatives at Da Vinci that focused on science learning and career/workforce development, and she recently served as part of the strategic leadership team in the organization’s expansion to a new facility in downtown Allentown. Knecht holds a B.S. in Biology from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, and Secondary Education Certification. She will complete her Master’s in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) in Spring 2025 at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.

LSF Board President Rich Young said, “For this important leadership position, Karen’s deep knowledge and love of STEM education, as well as her career in museum leadership, will secure our science center’s continued success.”

“While I have enjoyed my experience at Da Vinci, I am incredibly excited to bring the skills I developed there to the Lancaster Science Factory,” said Knecht. “LSF is an incredible asset to Lancaster and the region, and I look forward to helping the organization grow its impact.”

Yao Wu appointed Curator of Chinese Art and Culture 

We are pleased to announce that the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), in Salem, Massachusetts, has appointed Yao Wu as the museum’s first Huang Family Curator of Chinese Art and Culture, effective March 4, 2024. MS&R Senior Search Consultant Connie Rosemont led the international search.

Gavin Kleespies appointed Executive Director

We are pleased to announce that Gore Place, the historic house museum and farm in Waltham and Watertown, Massachusetts, has appointed Gavin Kleespies as its next Executive Director, effective January 2, 2024. The nationwide search was led by MS&R Senior Search Consultant Scott Stevens.

Andrew Dunehoo appointed Executive Director

We are pleased to announce that the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) in Kearney, NE has appointed Andrew Dunehoo as its new executive director as it prepares to reopen next year after a major renovation and facility construction expansion. Dunehoo was hired after a national search lead by MS&R senior search consultant Suzanne Tan. He replaces Nicole Herden, who left in July to become executive director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Dunehoo’s first day at MONA was November 6, 2023.

Emily Dunnack appointed Director of Learning and Engagement

Emily Dunnack is the new Director of Learning and Engagement at the New Britain Museum of American Art. MS&R Senior Search Consultant Lora Urbanelli led the national search. Dunnack joined the leadership team at New Britain in December 2023.

Dr. Jiyeon Kim appointed Curator of Korean Art

Dr. Jiyeon Kim is the Curator of Korean Art, a term position generously funded at PEM by the National Museum of Korea. In this role, Kim will develop PEM’s new Korean art gallery, set to open in 2025. MS&R Senior Search Consultant Connie Rosemont assisted PEM with this search.