The Waukesha County Museum announced that former Waukesha County Executive Dan Finley has been named the interim president and CEO of the museum.
Finley, working on a volunteer basis, will lead the organization for approximately two months, as the museum board conducts a search for a long-term executive leader.
“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. “We are beyond thrilled that Dan will be joining our team.”
Finley was Waukesha County executive from 1991-2005 and then became president of and chief executive officer of the Milwaukee Public Museum 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. “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.”
Finley’s priorities will include fundraising efforts to help offset an anticipated reduction in county funding for the museum.
He succeeds Kirsten Lee Villegas, the museum’s former president and CEO, who left for a leadership position with the Wisconsin Builders Association.
