Arts Consulting Group Finds New Leader for Connecticut Landmarks
October 23, 2020 – Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has placed Aaron Marcavitch as executive director of Connecticut Landmarks, an organization that restores and operates significant historic house museums in Connecticut.
“ACG congratulates Aaron Marcavitch on his placement as executive director at Connecticut Landmarks,” said Wyona Lynch-McWhite, senior vice president at Arts Consulting Group. “His vast experience in historic preservation and community engagement will surely advance the growth and well-being of all of Connecticut Landmarks’ historic properties while furthering the understanding of Connecticut’s history. We wish all the best to Mr. Marcavitch, the board of trustees and the entire Connecticut Landmarks team as they begin this new chapter.”
“This is a critical time for Connecticut Landmarks and the cultural and historic preservation world in general, as we strive to connect with broader audiences on issues of importance, such as social justice,” said Deborah Ullman, co-chairperson of the board of trustees at Connecticut Landmarks. “We chose Aaron because he brings with him demonstrated success in leading a historic organization with many moving parts. Due to the number of communities Connecticut Landmarks touches and the relationships we work hard to maintain, we were seeking a candidate that has a passion for community building and an innate talent for understanding the complexities that make up our history.”
With more than 15 years of leadership and historic preservation experience, Mr. Marcavitch has led Maryland Milestones / Anacostia Trails Heritage Area since 2010. In this role, he led and implemented the organization’s vision to be a leader in heritage tourism, partnerships, interpretation and funding for the region. He also executed a multi-year commemoration, including fundraising, marketing support and event production. In addition, Mr. Marcavitch has served as executive director at Housing Nantucket, where he oversaw a community of affordable housing tenants, and as assistant administrator at Nantucket Historic District Commission, where he worked with a variety of constituents to manage submissions and design questions. Other roles he has held include interim executive director at American Diner Museum and research assistant for the Center for Historic Preservation as well as Rutherford County Archives, both at Middle Tennessee State University.
“I’m excited to be taking the leadership of such a prominent and historic organization that works with a diverse array of communities and stories,” said Mr. Marcavitch. “I’ve always been enthralled by history and how it shapes the communities we live in. I am looking forward to having a hand in telling the story of Connecticut’s history.”
Arts and Culture Recruiters
Arts Consulting Group provides interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement consulting, facilities and program planning, and organizational development services for the arts and culture industry. The firm has identified senior-level leaders for the Long Beach Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Chicago Opera, Stockton Symphony Association and Portland Baroque Orchestra, among others. The firm has offices in Boston; Calgary; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Halifax; Los Angeles; Nashville, TN; New York; Portland, OR; San Francisco; Tampa, FL; Toronto; and Washington, D.C.
Bruce Thibodeau founded ACG in 1997 and has been part of numerous projects in all practice areas to grow institutional sustainability, advance the arts and culture sector, and enhance communities served by the industry. He has guided hundreds of non-profit, university and government clients in achieving effective leadership transitions, planning cultural facilities, increasing revenues, developing dynamic institutional brands and messages, crafting strategic plans and business models, and revitalizing board governance practices.
Ms. Lynch-McWhite joined ACG as vice president in 2016, bringing more than 21 years of experience leading art, university and multidisciplinary museums. Her areas of expertise include executive search, museum planning, organizational assessments, strategic visioning, fundraising and diversity training. As an executive search practice leader, she has led numerous search processes throughout the U.S. and Canada, placing executive leaders for a wide range of non-profit organizations, universities and government agencies, including Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and Arts Council of Indianapolis. Ms. Lynch-McWhite has also provided effective solutions in the areas of earned revenue enhancement, strategic planning, and museum planning for clients such as Collier County Museum Division, High Desert Museum and Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
