A Message from the President of the Board

Looking ahead at the Canadian Museum Association

Heather George

Just over a year ago the Canadian Museums Association asked Massimo Bergamini to take on the role of acting Executive Director after the departure of our former ED to assist in establishing our new board and oversee daily operations before we made any significant decisions about leadership. What we thought would be a process taking six months took a full year, however we now feel confident as a board that we are ready to begin a search for a new permanent ED for the CMA.

As the board comes together with staff, CMA fellows and membership to undertake this important task it is a good time to think about what the future holds for leadership both at the CMA and in the sector.

In reflecting on the excellent work and atmosphere which Massimo fostered at the CMA and the passion and commitment the staff bring to this work, it is easy to understand that the future leadership in this sector is an approach grounded in authenticity and service to others.

A leader works for the betterment of the whole community, not just those present in the space but also those who are not.
A leader knows they do not stand alone they are only as good as their team; good leaders build up their team they identify skills and passions, and they nurture and champion those around them.
A leader is not silent in the face of injustice.
A leader is the first to clear the path for others, they ask the hard questions, they challenge us to sit with discomfort and they inspire us to journey down new paths.
A leader is continually growing as a person.

What we have appreciated most about working with Massimo in addition to his professionalism and years of experience, is a real humanity he brought to the CMA; showing genuine care and concern both for the CMA employees and the sector as a whole. Although he was in an interim role, he never treated it as such. In this time, in this field and in this world, we need leaders like Massimo, people with a belief in the possible, who face challenges head on with empathy, compassion and care.

We are sad to say goodbye to Massimo, but we are excited to continue to build on the work he led in his time at CMA and we look forward to what the future holds for leadership at the CMA.