Deborah Lenk named Museum of Glass interim executive director

Former business executive Deborah Lenk has been named interim executive director of Tacoma’s Museum of Glass.

Her appointment became effective July 2, the museum announced last week. The museum’s board of trustees and artistic director Susan Warner made the announcement.

The museum said Lenk and Warner will collaborate in leading museum operations.

Warner was executive director from 2012 until May, when she assumed her new position and that of head of securing major donations.

“(Warner) will focus on the artistic side of the museum and Lenk will focus on the business side of the museum,” museum spokeswoman Hillary Ryan said.

It’s a new organizational trend in museums nationwide, she said.

Previously, Lenk has held positions with International Paper and Weyerhaeuser. A native of Utah, she has lived in Washington state for more than 20 years.

The museum said she has a deep appreciation of art and love of glass.

“We are pleased to have Deborah join the museum,” board chairwoman Gail Weyerhaeuser said in a statement. “Her proven leadership skills and business acumen will guide the outstanding staff, docents and volunteers of MOG to more and greater accomplishments.”

The search for a permanent executive director will begin soon and take a year to 18 months, Ryan said.

The museum opened in 2002. Warner has been on staff since its start.

This story was originally published July 14, 2015 at 9:36 AM with the headline "Deborah Lenk named Museum of Glass interim executive director."