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B.C. history has a new leader

Jack Lohman named chief executive officer of the Royal B.C. Musem
Jack Lohman, Director © Marcio Scavone
Jack Lohman will take over as the chief executive officer if the Royal B.C. Museum in March

The Royal B.C. Museum Board has named Jack Lohman the museum's new chief executive officer.

Lohman, who has been director of the the Museum of London since 2002, succeeds CEO Pauline Rafferty who is retiring.

“London’s loss is British Columbia’s gain,” said John Williams, chair of the Royal B.C. Museum board.

“Jack has extensive international experience in building great museums and providing strong leadership in the cultural sector. He has the qualities and skills to lead the Royal B.C. Museum into its next chapter of growth.”

Lohman joins the Royal B.C. Museum as it prepares to welcome two major international touring exhibitions, open its first seasonal satellite museum gallery at the Wing Sang in Vancouver, and continues the major revitalization plan for its two-hectare cultural precinct in downtown Victoria.

“The Royal B.C Museum is highly regarded as one of Canada’s great cultural treasures," said Lohman. "I am delighted to join its distinguished staff at a time of new development and to ensure the museum reaches the widest possible audiences.”

"The museum is vitally important for our destination," said Robert Gialloreto president and CEO of Tourism Victoria. "Not only does it hold the history of B.C. and certainly Greater Victoria but it's a constant landmark for us our residents and tourists."

Lohman assumes his new position on March 26.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know him," said Gialloreto. "From hearing (what he had to say) he understands how vital the museum is for our residents and travellers. We're looking forward to building a relationship with him."

At the Museum of London, Lohman directed a five-year, $32 million redevelopment that culminated in May 2010 with the opening of five new interactive galleries.

A seasoned fundraiser, Lohman also looks forward to working with the Royal B.C. Museum Foundation on its fundraising efforts.

“On behalf of the entire Board and Royal B.C. Museum community, I want to thank Pauline Rafferty for her exceptional leadership and passion in connecting the provincial museum and the provincial archives with British Columbians and visitors from around the world,” said Williams. “After 35 years of public service, we wish her all the best for a long and fulfilling retirement with her family.”