Aug. 22-TACOMA, Wash.-Jennifer Kilmer, a museum manager with extensive fundraising
experience, has been selected by the Washington State Historical Society board of
trustees to succeed David Nicandri as its new executive director. The board’s recommendation
has been approved by Governor Christine Gregoire.
Jennifer Kilmer, new WSHS Executive Director
Kilmer was the board's unanimous choice at a meeting held in Tacoma August 9. Nicandri
is scheduled to retire October 7 after twenty-five years as head of the organization.
Nicandri's career was highlighted by the construction of a new state history museum
in 1996 that led to a civic renaissance in downtown Tacoma.
“David Nicandri has done a tremendous job of making our state's history far more
accessible and interesting to far more people than ever before,” said Society President
Dan Grimm. "Jennifer Kilmer is uniquely qualified to achieve even more in the years
to come.”
Kilmer has been executive director of the Harbor History Museum for the
past eight years. She headed a five-year campaign that raised nearly $12 million
in public and private funds to build a new museum in Gig Harbor. Harbor Museum attendance
has quadrupled since the new facility was completed last August.
“As the flagship
historical organization in Washington, the Historical Society plays a critical role
in collecting, preserving and sharing our state’s rich history,” said Kilmer. “David
Nicandri has built a great foundation for all of us to build on and I’m honored
to be chosen by the board of trustees to lead this great institution into the future.”
Kilmer began her career as a grant manager for the Paul G. Allen Family Foundations
in Seattle. She also served as the program officer for the Seattle Seahawks Charitable
Foundation and worked on a variety of special projects including the development
of the Science Fiction Museum at the Seattle Center.
“Jennifer brings to the state
an outstanding set of qualities, experience, and impressive academic credentials,”
said Society trustee Charles W. Bingham, who led the executive director search.
“I think she’s the perfect successor to David Nicandri and has the ability to enhance
the society’s stellar reputation and expand opportunities for everyone to benefit
from what the Society has to offer.”
Reared in Kansas, Kilmer earned a bachelor’s
degree from Wellesley College in 1996. Upon graduation, she was awarded a prestigious
Marshall Scholarship and attended the University of Oxford where she attained her
master’s degree.
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About the
Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum, flagship of the Washington State Historical
Society, is located at 1911 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, just off 1-5. The
Washington State History Museum presents exhibits, programs and events that bring
Washington's history to life. The Washington State Historical Society has been dedicated
to collecting, preserving and vividly presenting Washington's rich and varied history
since 1891.
CONTACT– 1-888-BE THERE, www.WashingtonHistory.org
Media Contact:
Dan Branley
206-914-1231