CVM Names New Director

The Chippewa Valley Museum (CVM) is proud to announce the appointment of Carrie Ronnander as director as of January 12, 2016. Ms. Ronnander has served as interim director since May 2015 when former director Julie Bunke departed for a position at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum in Michigan.

Ms. Ronnander brings 19 years of museum experience, including 15 years as curator for the Chippewa Valley Museum. As curator she managed and developed the museum's object collections and assisted in exhibit planning, research and development. She served as project manager for the recent Changing Currents exhibit and was a key team member for the award-winning exhibit Farm Life. Ronnander successfully directed the museum through its 2009 reaccreditation with the American Alliance of Museums.  She also played a key role in designing curriculum for hundreds of teachers participating in professional development programs funded by federal Teaching American History grants.

As a 15-year resident of Eau Claire, Ronnander has been active in school and youth organizations including Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Eau Claire County 4-H. She served seven years on the Flynn Elementary PTA Board and is currently on the Eau Claire Area School District Parent Advisory Council. She is an active member of Sacred Heart-St. Patrick Parish where she also volunteers as a religious education instructor. Ronnander recently completed her second term as historian for the Eau Claire Landmarks Commission.

Ronnander received her master's degree in American history with a minor in museum studies from the University of Minnesota and her bachelor's degree in history from Marquette University.

"I love this place," Ronnander enthusiastically acknowledges, referring both to the museum and Eau Claire.  "Eau Claire is so dynamic right now, and everybody involved in the museum - staff, volunteers, members, everybody - is committed to helping the museum be a part of this growth. So much rich history is inside the museum, just waiting to be explored. It is just fun hearing visitors, especially children, get excited about what they can see and do here. Plus, what's not to love about going to work in beautiful Carson Park every day?"