Former Waukesha County Executive Dan Finley will lead the Waukesha County Museum on a interim, volunteer basis, according to a news release.
Kirsten Lee Villegas is stepping down from the museum after she accepted a position as the new executive officer of the Wisconsin Builders Association. Villegas has been experiencing pressure from the Waukesha County Board over the taxpayer financing of the museum during the past few months.
Finley will lead the organization for about two months, as the museum board conducts a search for a long-term executive leader, according to the news release. His first day on the job will be Tuesday.
“Dan’s countless contributions to Waukesha County over the years, coupled with his proven strategic leadership skills and deep knowledge of our community, make him the ideal choice for us at this time in our history,” said Tom Constable, chair of the Waukesha County Museum’s board of directors, in the news release. “We are beyond thrilled that Dan will be joining our team.”
Finley was Waukesha County executive from 1991 until 2005, at which time he became president and chief executive officer of the Milwaukee Public Museum, a position he held for five years. He then moved to Los Angeles where he led the Autry National Center (museum).
“It is an honor to work with the Waukesha County Museum during this time of both challenges and promise,” said Finley in the news release. “I welcome the chance to be a part of their team, and contribute to an exciting vision to make the museum a must-stop destination for the region.”
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