Leadership Change at Park-McCullough
/May 25, 2023 INTERNAL ANNOUNCEMENT
It is with sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces the departure of Christopher Oldham as Executive Director of the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion effective mid-June. Stacey New will also be exiting as board president and Kelly Clarke Harrington will be coming in as interim board president.
When Chris Oldham was hired in late 2019, the Park-McCullough House Association Board of Directors selected him for his proven skills to increase the visibility of an organization and create a sense of community. Over the past three years, Oldham has solidified and expanded the organization’s mission to continue the Park & McCullough legacies of enriching our community through a dynamic exploration of history and the arts.
According to interim board president Clarke Harrington, “Over the last four years, the Park-McCullough property has seen a revitalization and Chris has been a huge part of that change. We could not be happier with the results of his efforts to invite the larger community to become a part of the Park-McCullough organization and family.” Oldham has accepted a local job which will allow for more regular working hours, so he can spend time with his young family. “I am committed to supporting the organization's success as much as I can into the next chapter,” Oldham stated. “Thank you to the staff, the board, members, and partners for your gracefulness, talents, and dedication. Working with you was exhilarating. We could tackle even the most challenging issues when we did it together. I'm excited to remain part of the Park-McCullough community and watch from afar as the museum continues to evolve and change and be a real beacon of light for so many people — now I'll be one of them, at events, volunteering and getting so much out of being a member.”
In addition to Oldham’s departure, Park-McCullough’s current board president, Stacey New, will also be leaving the organization, slightly before her term ends, due to a relocation of her family. Over her nearly two years of leadership, New has managed a major overhaul of the governance and financial processes and documents, while also providing a strategic direction that balanced tradition with future efforts for Park-McCullough. “We are in a strong position moving forward because of the less-than-glamorous, but critically important organizational work Stacey has been leading us through. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and will miss her terribly as she relocates with her family to Pennsylvania. Personally, I have appreciated her mentorship, wisdom, and kindness during my time on the board.” said Clarke Harrington.
Kelly Clarke Harrington will be stepping into the role of interim board president after serving as vice-president for two years. Originally from Connecticut, having attended college in Rhode Island, Clarke Harrington has called Bennington and Vermont home for over twelve years. A registered architect, Clarke Harrington worked for Centerline Architects for ten years with a focus on historic preservation and higher education, before transitioning to her current role at Siena College as Director of Design and Construction. Clarke Harrington will be finishing up a three-year term on Bennington’s Historic Preservation Commission this month. Active in the community, Clarke Harrington has served on the Shires Young Professionals board, volunteered at many Chamber’s events including Garlic Town, USA, served on the Better Bennington Corporation board and is credited with the design of the popular Park at 336 in downtown Bennington.
“I’m sure all of this leadership change might come as a shock to many in our community, however we want community members and visitors alike to know that Park-McCullough will continue to be open and serve the community as it has for the past 60 years,” Clarke Harrington remarked. “Business will continue as usual, with the property opening for the season this Memorial Day Weekend. This Sunday (10 AM – 2 PM), the board will celebrate Community Day with free house tours, the new “Alice in Wonderland” exhibit, a bake sale, and cash bar on the veranda. We have no plans to slow down. We want to build on the growth of the last few years and the leadership Chris and Stacey have provided us. The board is going to take this opportunity to ask some big questions about our strategic direction and how to best serve the community.”
