It’s been almost two years since I came to the Whyte as your new Chief Executive Officer, June 23, 2019, to be exact. I couldn’t be more grateful to have such a warm, welcoming place to respond to all the challenges we’ve had to face.
The Whyte is led and operated by a truly remarkable, imaginative, resourceful, funny, and supportive team of staff, board members, and community partners. These are true mountain people, quick to lend a hand, come up with a great solution, and tell stories that make your hair stand on end.
I’ve learned so much from them and from you. I know that all major decisions are made in Nester’s parking lot. I know that a walk along the river is the best way to hold a meeting. I know when the pine martens have returned, and when the elk are feeling amorous. Every day, I feel the warm generous spirit of Catharine Whyte guiding our actions. People in the valley are generous in their support, always take your calls, and come back with good solutions. It’s a great comfort and joy to be able to draw on that knowledge and experience. Thank you all.
We’ve missed being open, but have been working hard behind-the-scenes. We’re grateful for subsidy programs that have allowed us to keep our staff fully employed and responding to changing needs. We’ve learned how to give you more access to our collections, exhibitions, and programs online. Furthermore, we’re developing programs that will connect you with our beautiful landscape and with Indigenous ways of knowing. We look forward to welcoming you back in July with new exhibitions, exciting programs, and new books to buy in our shop.
Thank you all for supporting the Whyte during this challenging time. I now consider myself the new – and slightly used – CEO.
Cheers,
Donna Livingstone,
Chief Executive Officer
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and the Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation
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