The Exploration Place is bidding farewell to its long-serving CEO Tracy Calogheros, who is retiring after her 30-year tenure at the museum, with 20 of those years at the helm.
Calogheros came to the Exploration Place in 1994. With a fine arts background, her initial role as the Fraser Fort George Museum's marketing and graphics coordinator marked the start of a remarkable career that has seen the institution undergo many changes.
She then guided the museum to significant expansions alongside groundbreaking and meaningful work with Indigenous communities.
Calogheros emphasized the importance of the museum's commitment to reconciliation, a principle that has been integral to the museum's operations long before it became a national conversation.
“The Fraser-Fort George Museum was a very different place in 1994 than it is today," she said. "But even then, the museum had a seat for the Lheidli T’enneh on its board, and it was that visionary approach to reconciliation before anyone had even heard the word that has shaped this award-winning, community-centred approach to museum work."
She has served on multiple boards and dedicated her time to countless organizations, including the Canadian Museums Association, where she is a Fellow and currently sits as President. She has also served as President of the Canadian Association of Science Centres board and has been a strong champion for science literacy.
“No kid wakes up at 18 and decides they want to be an engineer or an epidemiologist unless they have grown up excited about scientific endeavour,” she said.
Reflecting on her retirement, Calogheros expressed profound gratitude toward the collaborative efforts that have propelled the museum's success.
“This organization and this community have given me opportunities I would never have dreamt of in 1994 when I first interviewed for an unemployment insurance program position. Flash forward 30 years, and I am humbled to have played my part in this museum's development."
As of June 30, Calogheros will embark on a new chapter, chasing the seasons on Iowna Island at Francois Lake with her husband John.
"Under Tracy's leadership, The Exploration Place has evolved into a leading museum and science centre," said The Exploration Place Board of Trustees President Helena Trudel. "On behalf of the Board, I extend my sincere thanks to Tracy for her devoted service to the organization and the museum sector spanning the last three decades. The Board is commencing the search for a new CEO."
