Canada’s oldest museum has just appointed its newest Executive Director. Today, Wayne Burley, the current Chair of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the New Brunswick Museum, announced that John G. McAvity will be taking over the position of Executive Director of the Museum Foundation.
“We are pleased that someone with such excellent credentials has chosen to work with us,” Burley said. “Over the past several years, the strengths of the New Brunswick Museum have grown thanks to strong leadership in all aspects of operations, membership, collections, research, conservation and archives.
“Mr. McAvity led the Canadian Museums Association as its CEO through achievements in government relations, instituted new youth employment programs, fundraising, and repatriation with Indigenous Peoples. We look forward to exciting new growth at the New Brunswick Museum with John’s expertise.”
McAvity comes particularly qualified for the position. After an illustrious career, he is returning to the museum where he started as a Provincial Outreach Officer. McAvity also served as the Executive Director of the Ontario Museum Association, followed by a very successful 38-year tenure as CEO of the Canadian Museums Association. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, culture, museum and heritage sectors, McAvity received the Order of Canada as well as an honorary degree from UNB.
“The New Brunswick Museum is an important place for New Brunswickers and visitors alike to experience our treasures and hear our stories,” says McAvity about returning to the New Brunswick Museum. “We aim to bring New Brunswick to the world and the world to New Brunswick.”
Today’s announcement also included the appointment of Burley as Chair of the Board of the Foundation for the New Brunswick Museum. In addition, appointments were announced of William Teed as Treasurer and Bill Hicks, CEO of the NB Museum, as Secretary. Other Board Directors include Robert Landry of Caraquet, Hope Hunter of Long Reach and Victoria Clarke of Saint John.