March 17, 2021
RBCM matter update
Dear members of the CMA and our community,
I am writing to share an update on developments at the CMA and to follow up on our last communication on this issue.
As you know, the CMA’s President, Prof. Jack Lohman, stepped down from his role as CEO of the Royal B.C. museum in mid-February. A few of you have suggested that Prof. Lohman should step down from his role at the CMA as well. Others have expressed their interest in having him stay on until the end of his mandate, which is just five weeks away.
The Board did not ask Professor Lohman to step down. Our Board has been actively monitoring and discussing the situation, and they are mindful that the investigation into the matter by the provincial government remains underway. The Board determined last week that Prof. Lohman should remain in his role and that the focus would be on a smooth transition to a new President in early May. We regret that, following this decision, three of our members have chosen to leave the Board.
To ensure good governance of the CMA, I can assure you that steps are underway to ensure that we continue to have a fully functioning Board. As you know given the recent call for nominations, we plan for a further expansion of the Board at the upcoming AGM on May 3, to ensure greater diversity and representation thanks to our modernized bylaws.
In the midst of this, the CMA staff are working hard to serve our members. We are pressing for ongoing pandemic relief for museums and for work on the national museum policy in order to address a myriad of important issues. We have just gone to press on the next Muse magazine, which focuses on museums, the environment and climate change. Our YCW team is assessing your applications for 2021-22 to help build museum capacity and develop our next generation of museum professionals. We have been conducting Listening Circles to help us build recommendations and the toolkit for our Reconciliation Program. We are just on the cusp of unveiling an exciting program for the National Conference aimed at providing the community with top-notch professional development and virtual networking opportunities. And much more.
I think we can all say this has been a challenging time. We appreciate that the issues surrounding the RBCM issue have been difficult and our Board has not taken its decision lightly. We have been listening to you, considering the issues carefully and focusing our limited resources on delivering programs and services for museums. We are proud and grateful to represent and support you, and I thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Vanda Vitali, Ph.D.
Executive Director and CEO