Royal BC Museum Seeks New CEO Amid Ongoing Strike Action

UPDATE: The Royal BC Museum has officially launched a search for a new CEO, marking a significant leadership shift as the museum faces ongoing labor disputes. Current CEO Tracey Drake has been serving in an “acting” capacity since August 2023, with her term set to end on December 31, 2025.

Drake’s appointment follows a tumultuous period for the museum, which has seen three different CEOs in just five years. Former CEO Jack Lohman resigned in 2021 amid allegations of systemic racism within the institution. His successor, Alicia Dubois, was appointed in February 2022 but stepped down less than a year and a half later, stating she was “no longer best suited to the position.”

As of October 15, 2023, the museum’s job posting for the next CEO went live on CivicJobs.ca. The new leader will be responsible for guiding the museum’s strategic vision, community outreach, and donor engagement, with a competitive salary ranging from $243,000 to $309,309 annually.

“The work of the CEO will be guided by a commitment to excellence, accessibility, community engagement, growth, and sustainability,”

the job listing states, highlighting the need for a “highly creative visionary thinker” with substantial leadership experience in cultural or non-profit sectors.

While the museum remains open, it is currently under scrutiny from unionized workers represented by the British Columbia General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), who have been striking for nearly two months. Over 25,000 workers across more than 600 worksites in the province are participating in the job action, demanding better working conditions and pay.

On October 17, 2023, the BCGEU entered non-binding mediation with the B.C. government, but strike actions continue as negotiations are ongoing. The situation has created a challenging environment for the museum as it seeks to stabilize its leadership amidst labor unrest.

The Royal BC Museum’s search for a new CEO comes at a critical juncture, and the choice of the next leader will play a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s future and addressing ongoing community concerns.

As developments unfold, the museum community and stakeholders will be closely watching how leadership transitions will impact both operations and the labor situation in the coming months.