Holland Sentinel | Non-Profits | Published January 30, 2024 | Cassandra Lybrink | READ THE ARTICLE

HOLLAND — In a wave of recent resignations and retirements across Ottawa County, Holland Museum Executive Director Ricki Levine has announced it’s also time for her to step down.

Levine announced her retirement Tuesday, Jan. 30. She became director in 2017, after working as managing director of the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon, development director at the St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids, and managing director of Mason Street Warehouse in Saugatuck.

Her retirement is effective June 30.

During her tenure at the museum, Levine has spearheaded the organization’s “transformation into an inclusive community hub.” Under her guidance, a release said, the museum has earned re-accreditation from the Alliance of American Museums, secured the Peninsulas Prize for DEAI, and took home the Social Justice Award for Education.

Ricki Levine (back row, second from left) accepts a Social Justice Award in Education on behalf of Holland Museum from the Holland Human Relations Commission. Photo provided by The Holland Human Relations Commission.

She also oversaw the unveiling of the museum’s SparkLab, which encourages participation in youth, and the creation of a five-year strategic plan.

“Leading the Holland Museum during this transformative journey has been an immense privilege,” Levine wrote. “I am deeply grateful to the staff, board, and community for their unwavering support in making our vision of inclusivity a reality. Together, we have accomplished so much, but the groundwork is laid for an even brighter future.”

The museum’s board strongly agrees.

“The entire board extends its congratulations to Ricki on her retirement,” wrote Board Chair Chanda Miller. “She has not only steered the museum through a period of significant change but also laid the foundation for a sustainable and impactful future. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best in her retirement.”

The museum has formed a search committee in anticipation of Levine’s retirement and partnered with a local consulting firm. The official search for the museum’s next executive director is underway.

— Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.