Waukesha County Museum CEO Kirsten Lee Villegas resigns

Published on: 10/10/2013

After five years at the helm, Waukesha County Musuem CEO/President Kirsten Lee Villegas has stepped down from her position.

She leaves the musuem to become the new state executive officer for the Madison-based Wisconsin Builders Association.

According to a news release, she beat out more than 60 applicants in a statewide search.

She also becomes the first female executive in the WBA's 66-year history.

Villegas' last day at the museum was Sept. 27. She started her job at the WBA Sept. 30. 

Villegas, who has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and private sectors, helped lead an effort to bring the long-awaited Les Paul exhibit to the Waukesha County Museum. The exhibit, which honors the Waukesha music legend, opened this summer. 

She was also overseeing studies to help the museum become more of a 21st century regional and cultural center.

Her departure, however, comes at a time when the museum will receive less from county taxpayers in 2014 ($300,000 in 2013 to $150,000) and after Mayor Jeff Scrima suggested the museum consolidate into the Waukesha Public Library.

Villegas, in her new position, will work alongside WBA Vice President of Advocacy Brad Boycks to advance the efforts of the home building and remodeling industry within the state. 

"I am eager to work with and help promote the great home builders, remodelers, developers and industry experts from around the state," she said.