Museums Victoria appoints new Board President
Announced today by Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, Museums Victoria has named Leon Kempler AM as the new President of the Museums Board of Victoria. Mr. Kempler begins his appointment on July 1 taking over from Professor Rufus Black who has served as President as since 2016.
Two further appointments to the Museums Board of Victoria have been announced today – barrister Timothy Goodwin and CEO and Executive Director of Luna Park Mary Stuart. In addition, communications expert Andrew Butcher has been reappointed.
Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director of Museums Victoria said, "On behalf of Museums Victoria staff, I am delighted to welcome Leon and our new board members, Mary and Tim. Under Rufus’ insightful and expert leadership we have set an ambition for Museums Victoria to take its place among the world’s top 10 museum organisations by 2025. I am greatly looking forward to working with Leon and the Board as we continue to bring this goal to life."
Minister Foley said Mr Kempler’s high-level business experience and his history of chairmanship of major cultural and philanthropic institutions make him well placed to lead the organisation. He said, “Leon Kempler brings significant experience and skills to the leadership of Museums Victoria as the organisation positions itself for the future with exciting and ambitious plans for our state’s great museums.”
Mr Kempler is currently Chairman of the Advisory Council of Questacon- National Science and Technology Centre , a role he has held for 16 years. His previous roles include Director of the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation (2002 – 2017) and Chairman of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival (2007 – 2013). In 2018, Mr Kempler was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to national cultural institutions and charitable, education and children’s medical foundations.
Mr Kempler said, "I’m sincerely honoured to be given the opportunity to lead one of Victoria’s most significant cultural assets. I acknowledge and thank the outgoing Board President, Professor Rufus Black, for his visionary leadership. He leaves a legacy of a robust organisation with a truly creative and inclusive culture."
Mr Kempler added, "The vital support of the Victorian State Government is integral to Museums Victoria’s continuing success. I acknowledge Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Industries, for his dedication to our state’s invaluable cultural portfolio. I look forward to working with the Board, with Lynley Crosswell, and with Museums Victoria staff in delivering their transformational 2017-25 Strategic Plan and vision for the vibrant renewal of our much-loved museums."
Museums Victoria is Australia's largest museum organisation and is a valuable contributor to the State Government's Creative State Strategy. With these new expert appointments to the Museums Board of Victoria, Museums Victoria is further positioned to strive towards its Strategic Plan 2017-25. This bold plan outlines inspiring goals of major exhibition renewals, First Peoples strategy and programs, new digital learning spaces at Melbourne Museum, and the continued development towards the reimagining of the Scienceworks and Immigration Museum precincts.
