News and announcements
McAvity Appointed CMA Director Emeritus
February 4, 2019
At its most recent meeting, the Board of Directors of the Canadian Museums Association unanimously passed a resolution to name John G. McAvity as the CMA’s first Director Emeritus.
“John has overseen our association for close to four decades and we are so happy he has agreed to undertake this new role” stated CMA President Karen Bachmann. “With John as Director Emeritus, future Board members and others will now be able to gain a historical perspective that might have been lost” she continued.
This honourary title is in recognition of Mr. McAvity’s exceptional dedication, leadership and support to the CMA as well as his ongoing passion for museums and galleries everywhere, not only in Canada but internationally. It also recognizes his 37 years of devoted service as the association’s Executive Director.
McAvity is credited for the growth of the Association from a handful of staff in 1981 to over 25 today, including successful fundraising. He is recognized for developing the CMA’s Advocacy role, lobbying for many improvements such as the $3 billion Indemnification Program, Young Canada Works, reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and expanding member benefits such as the group insurance program.
“John has literally been the voice of the museum sector for so long” stated Jack Lohman, CMA Vice President. “He appeared before countless Parliamentary Committees and was frequently interviewed by the media, always speaking for the benefit of the community.”
In his new role, Mr. McAvity will assist with the leadership transition and continue as a Board member of the Museums Foundation of Canada, and the Board of Can4Culture and its Canada-Asia program. McAvity has received many awards over the years including the Order of Canada and an Honourary Doctorate from the University of New Brunswick.
The CMA Board also want to congratulate Mr. McAvity on his recent retirement and look forward to many years of collaboration, advice and guidance in his new role as Director Emeritus.