Wisconsin Historical Society Leadership
We have a tradition of the best and brightest people leading the way for the Wisconsin Historical Society. Our leaders care deeply about Wisconsin's rich heritage and inspire the vision for the future of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Many are volunteers offering their expertise, time and passion to ensure that we pass on our stories to future generations.
The Wisconsin Historical Society is both a state agency and a membership organization. A strong public-private partnership can be seen through the community leaders on various volunteer boards of the Wisconsin Historical Society. These leaders, volunteers, donors and staff work together to enable the Society to share stories.
Society Board of Curators
The 34-member Board of Curators governs the Society. The Board includes eight statutory appointments and up to 30 curators who are selected according to the Society's constitution and bylaws. Three curators, appointed by the governor with Senate consent, serve staggered three-year terms. The board selects the Society's director, who serves as administrative head of the Society and as secretary to the board. View the current Board of Curators member list.
Society Director
Christian Øverland
The Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO
Society Senior Leadership Team
Christian Øverland
The Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO
Wes Mosman Block
Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer
Angela Titus
Assistant Deputy Director & Chief Program Officer
Vacant
State Archivist and Administrator,
Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections
Daina Penkiunas
State Historic Preservation Officer
Kate Easton
Legislative Liaison
Kelly Frawley
Director of Facilities Planning and Management
Laura Ingersoll
Director of Marketing
Nicolas Hoffman
Administrator, Division of Museums and Historic Sites
Julie Lussier
Executive Director, Wisconsin Historical Foundation
Bobby Marshment-Howell
Director of Information Technology
Vicki Halverson
Executive Staff Assistant
Laura Tetting
Director of Human Resources
Shannon Wendt
Director of Finance and Policy
Rebecca Comfort
American Indian Nations Liaison
Kara O’Keeffe
Director of Communications
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
Mission and Vision of the Wisconsin Historical Society