Executive Director Beth Takekawa to retire July 31

News Release Date:
May 14, 2021

Contact:Shaun Mejia, 206.623.5124 x.119

It is with profound respect and gratitude that the Board of Trustees of the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience announces the retirement of its longtime executive director, Beth Takekawa.

During her 24-year tenure - 14 as executive director - Beth has led the nation's only pan-Asian Pacific American museum, a Smithsonian affiliate based in Seattle's Chinatown-International District, through tremendous growth and national prominence.

In 2008, the Wing Luke Museum completed a successful $23.2 million dollar capital campaign to design, build, and open a new museum home within the historic East Kong Yick Building. Since then, under Beth's leadership, the 54-year old institution has grown exponentially to a budget of $3.2M and more than 75,000 visitors in 2019. In 2013, the Museum was recognized as one of two-dozen affiliated areas of the National Park Service. This past year, the Ford Foundation named the Museum as one of America's Cultural Treasures - a recognition bestowed on 20 cultural organizations for 'contributions to the diversity of expression and excellence in America.'

'For nearly 25 years, Beth has contributed to the remarkable growth and impact of the museum. The Wing Luke Museum's steadfast community and national support over the years would not be possible without Beth's remarkable vision and leadership,' says Jill Nishi, board co-president.

In addition to her role at the museum, Beth serves as a board member of the National Museum and Library Services Board, Washington Courts Historical Society, Downtown Seattle Association and International District Emergency Center, and as a member of the Community Development Round Table. She was appointed by the governor as a Washington State Arts Commissioner (2009-2015). She is a 2011 Salzburg Global Seminars Fellow, one of 56 leaders worldwide discussing museums and libraries in the era of participatory culture, and a 2014 Puget Sound Business Journal Woman of Influence.

'Beth's reputation in the greater museum world is unmatched. She inspires all with her humility and passion for making arts and culture accessible to all. We will truly miss Beth and wish her all the best in this next chapter,' adds board co-president, Ellen Ferguson.

For Beth, her retirement is bittersweet, 'I've loved getting up in the morning to work at a place that honors my community and ancestors, and is filled with the generations who followed, who won't allow our stories to be forgotten. When I became executive director 14 years ago, I was so afraid to fail. Over the years I've come to understand that it is the community who truly owns the Wing Luke Museum, and who refused to let the Museum or me fail. Thank you to the members and supporters of the Wing Luke Museum for allowing me the privilege of serving as Executive Director. I'm excited to see the Museum's future. It's bound to be a place of love, home, surprises and will continue to send a message of community power.'

Beth's last day at the Museum is July 31, 2021. Cassie Chinn, Deputy Executive Director, has agreed to serve as interim executive director. A national search for a new Executive Director will launch shortly. A community celebration to honor Beth's dedication and service will be held this summer on a date to be announced.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.