VICTORIA — The chief executive officer of the Royal B.C. Museum is resigning.
The museum's board of directors says Jack Lohman will step down Friday after nine years as CEO.
In a news release, the board says Lohman's departure was "mutually agreed" to be in the best interests of the organization as it "addresses current internal issues," without elaborating.
Last month, the First Nations Leadership Council said in a statement that it was “disturbed by several recent media reports” alleging “ongoing systemic racism and toxic working conditions” at the museum.
The museum said Lohman was not available for comment this week and board chair Daniel Muzyka would not be available until Thursday.
Muzyka recently told Global News that the results of an internal survey triggered by the Public Service Agency were being reviewed by the board and management, but he wouldn't provide details on its findings.
He said the museum was hiring a diversity inclusion consultant and implementing mandatory education programs for employees with a focus on trust-building, working with Indigenous people and culture training.
Muzyka will serve as acting CEO until a replacement is found for Lohman, who is described by the board in the release as "an internationally recognized expert in museums."
It says "the board of directors acknowledges, with appreciation, his nine years of vision and service."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 9, 2021.
The Canadian Press
