Hart Cluett begins search for new executive director

Look for replacement begins with Krasevaclenz leaving Jan. 29

The Hart Cluett Museum is searching for a new executive director to take over from Karin Krasevac-lenz, who is retiring Jan. 29 after leading the museum for nearly six years.

During Krasevac-lenz’s tenure, the museum was rebranded and renamed from the Rensselaer County Historical Society, struck up a partnership with the Smithsonian Institute, as well as increased fundraising efforts.

“Anyone who knows Karin knows that, when she gets something in her mind, it’s not enough to simply achieve the goal. She has to surpass it. Over the past five years, she has worked tirelessly to turn this organization around. And she has succeeded beyond all our expectations,” said Mark Shipley,

president of the museum board of trustees.

Krasevac-lenz took over the museum’s top position in August 2015. The museum worked to expand the number of visitors it attracted to its historic buildings, galleries and library at 57

Second St.

“While stepping down as executive director is bittersweet, it comforts me to know I leave the organization with a strong future aided by an incredible board of trustees, dedicated staff, and supportive donors,”

Krasevac-lenz said.

The museum board has organized a search committee to find Krasevac-lenz’s successor. In the meantime, Michele Vennard has been named interim executive director.

Vennard was president and CEO of Discover Albany (Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau) for 25 years. She also was a deputy commissioner for tourism development for the state Department of Economic Development, Division of Tourism.

Vennard is a member and past chairwoman of Capitalize Albany Corporation, chair of and an appointed member of the Albany Convention Center Authority, a board member of Canal NY and an appointed member of the state Canal Recreationway Commission. She is also a past chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of The Sage Colleges and represented the school on the University Heights Association Board of Directors.

Paul Buckowski / Times Union Karin Krasevac-lenz, executive director of Hart Cluett Museum, stands outside the museum in Troy. She has announced she’ll retire Jan. 29.