Spear to take up new position at Norman Rockwell Museum this fall
Heritage Museums & Gardens announced today that CEO Ellen Spear will be leaving the nonprofit organization after seven years. Spear will be taking a new role with the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass.
Spear will remain with Heritage Museums & Gardens through the end of August.
Tracy Isham, Heritage Museums & Gardens Board of Trustees chair says Spear has made significant contributions to the future of Heritage.
“Throughout her tenure with us, Ellen has been instrumental in helping Heritage reach the highest level of visitorship ever enjoyed at the museum,” Isham said. “Her commitment to learning has also led to the opening of our Adventure Park, which extends outdoor discovery to older children and families, and the creation of the country’s first STEM-focused preschool housed within a museum. These accomplishments have greatly expanded the reach of Heritage Museums & Gardens. We wish her great success in her next chapter.”
Spear believes Heritage is in a strong position to transition leadership before the organization’s 50th anniversary in 2019.
“It has been an honor to work with the talented staff, board, supporters and regional leaders to advance Heritage as a place of exploration and learning for as wide and large an audience as possible,” Spear said. “It is also humbling to have had a part in continuing JK Lilly, III’s vision of Heritage as “… an outreaching force for education …” and to have continued the implementation of that vision in a way that will be appealing to today’s and tomorrow’s visitors. I want to extend my deep personal thanks to the generous donors who have been the engine for excellence.”
The Heritage Museums & Gardens Board of Trustees will undertake a nationwide search for Spear’s replacement.
