Evanston’s Mitchell Museum of the American Indian has announced the selection of Kim Vigue as its new executive director.
“Her breadth of experience, leadership skills, and many personal and professional connections to Native communities make her an excellent and exciting choice for the Museum,” said Jan Berkson, president of the museum’s board. “We look forward to working with her as she brings her energy, perspectives and compelling ideas to all aspects of our museum activities– including exhibitions, programs and outreach.”
Vigue is the founder and managing partner of Wolf River Consulting, a Native and women-owned small business. She led the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education communications efforts, providing oversight of public affairs and media relations for its 48,000 students and 183 schools.
Her prior experience includes managing multiple tribal communication and outreach programs for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Indian Health Service, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Vigue said, “It is a privilege to join an institution that recognizes the importance of giving Native people a voice to tell our stories and provide visitors with a greater understanding of our history, culture, traditions and past and present contributions from our perspectives and experiences.”
Vigue is an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation, a descendant of the Menominee Tribe, and holds an master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin. She serves as a member of the board of directors for Visionary Ventures and was recently appointed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to the Native American Employment Plan Advisory Council.
She lives in Glencoe with her husband and two sons.
The museum is located 3001 Central St. in Evanston.