Lisa Making, who has been with the Royal Tyrrell Museum since 2007 has been appointed the first female executive director.
Making has worked as the museum’s director of exhibits and communications for the last seven years and brings with her more than two decades of experience in the museum sector.
“I’m thrilled to accept this important position with the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and am looking forward to building on everything we’ve done through the years to ensure the Museum thrives,” said Ms. Making. “No doubt, we have a challenging time ahead of us as we navigate the current global crisis, but I can’t imagine working with a better team to guide us through these challenges. My hope is to continue to strengthen and deepen the Museum’s position as a centre of excellence, inspiring a lifelong passion for science, and fostering a better understanding of our past, so we can learn to be better stewards of our changing planet.”
Ms. Making holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Physical Anthropology from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Newcastle University.
She has been a member of the board of directors for the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site for over a decade, and currently serves as Chair. She is also a board member of the Alberta Museums Association and a former board member of the International Council of Museums Canada. Prior to coming to the Tyrrell, she contributed to the development and management of a $9 million permanent gallery at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary.
She succeeds Andrew Neuman who retired from the museum in September of last year after 33 years with the Tyrrell.
As executive director, she is responsible for the strategic direction for the management and ongoing operations including maintaining and enhancing the Museum’s position as a world leader, and fostering key stakeholder, community, and educational outreach relationships.
She will also guide and support the Museum’s vital research, tourist attraction, and education roles, and oversee the collection, preservation, and presentation of palaeontological resources and the protection of palaeontological sites in Alberta.
“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Making to her new position,” said Dr. David Link, Assistant Deputy Minister, Heritage Division, Alberta Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women. “Her proven leadership skills, strong track record at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and vast knowledge of the heritage and culture sector will continue to greatly benefit our team. The Selection Committee was particularly impressed with Ms. Making’s strategic vision for the future of Canada’s dinosaur museum.”
