Nelson Museum hires new executive director

The hunt for a new executive director for the Nelson Museum Archives and Gallery is over. Jennifer Dunkerson has been appointed to take on the role. 

The museum board broke the news in a media release this afternoon. The search for a new executive director has been underway since September when former director Astrid Heyerdahl resigned after seven years with the museum. 

Heyerdahl’s long list of accomplishments during her tenure left the museum with big shoes to fill, but the media release states that Dunkerson’s extensive experience in the arts and culture sector instills confidence to the board that she’s qualified for the job. 

It’s not the first time Dunkerson has held the title of museum director. In the past she served as the director of the Revelstoke Railway Museum. She was also a heritage planner with Heritage BC and most recently held a management role with the Columbia Basin Trust.  

In the release the board states that Dunkerson will play an essential role in the museum’s future development, including plans to redevelop the second-floor museum exhibit, growing the Nelson Sports Collection, expanding the regional archives and collections and growing public and education programs. 

She will officially enter into her new role on Nov. 27.