Royal B.C. Museum chief executive Tracey Drake has been appointed for another term, to run from March 1 through Dec. 31, 2025.
The museum’s board of directors announced the appointment Tuesday, and said in a statement that it will provide “increased organizational stability” until a permanent chief executive is chosen.
Drake became acting chief executive last August after serving as the museum’s vice-president of strategic operations.
She replaced Alicia Dubois, who resigned after 16 months, citing professional and personal reasons.
Dubois had been criticized following the closure of popular third-floor exhibits such as Old Town, a step taken as part of a process to “decolonize” the museum and bring in more historical voices.
Board chair Leslie Brown said “acting” has been removed from Drake’s title as she approaches her new term.
“It has become clear to the board, as well as those working closely with Tracey, that she continues to be the leader to guide the museum and add stability and vision for what is an exciting time of growth, along with important community and provincewide consultation.”
Drake’s job includes overseeing museum operations, the B.C. Archives and IMAX Victoria, as well as the museum’s collections and research complex being built in Colwood’s Royal Bay area.
Construction began in September on the $270-million facility, which will be home to the province’s collections and archives, research labs and learning spaces.
The building, scheduled to open in 2026, is being designed to improve public access to the museum’s holdings, since only about one per cent is currently on display.
Mississauga-based Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. has the contract for design and construction.
Last month, Drake announced that the museum’s schedule in 2024 will include the return of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, a Stonehenge exhibit and a look at Canadian designs in Canadian Modern.
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