MESSENGER hollandmuseum.org
SUMMER 2024
NEWS FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michelle Stempien will officially assume her duties on July 1, 2024. Please welcome her and join all of us in supporting her as she moves into her new role.
Hello Members, Welcome to the Summer issue of the MESSENGER. Ricki Levine is retiring on June 30th after nearly seven years as Executive Director. Her strong leadership has resulted in growth and renewal in the organization. We are most appreciative of all Ricki has done for the Museum and wish her all the very best in the future. When the Executive Committee of the Board was informed of Ricki’s retirement we immediately began the process of finding the best person possible to succeed her. A search committee was formed, postings were placed in a variety of locations which resulted in the receipt of about 40 applicants from all over the country. Initial interviews were conducted virtually, followed by inperson interviews with the Museum staff and then with the Search Committee. The feedback from the staff was carefully weighed in the process. The Committee unanimously agreed upon a candidate with a recommendation to the Board of Directors who made the final selection.
Michelle Stempien Executive Director
Kate Leighton-Colburn Development and Communications Associate Director
It is our great pleasure to introduce our new Executive Director, Michelle Stempien.
Also new on staff is Kate Leighton-Colburn as Development and Communications Associate Director. Kate has a BA from Hope College and is pursuing her Master’s Degree in social work. After working in New York for six years, Kate returned to Holland as the Executive Director of Out on the Lakeshore. She is an experienced and capable addition to the staff.
We are grateful to all members for your Michelle has been serving as the support during this exciting time of Education and Community Programs transition, Manager of the Holland Museum since The Holland Museum Board of Directors January, 2021. Prior to that, Michelle worked at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in various capacities from 1998 until INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2020. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree On Exhibit .................................................. 2 in Art History from Carleton College and a Spark!Lab’s Activities.............................. 2 Master of Arts in Art History and Museum Explore the Collection .......................... 3 Studies from Case Western Reserve In Memory.................................................. 3 University. Michelle has over 20 years of Local Reciprocal Programs................... 3 experience in educational programming, Meet our 2024 Interns........................... 3 Volunteer News........................................ 3 exhibition design and fundraising. She is a Calendar of Events.................................. 4 creative and passionate leader.