Salem, Massachusetts – Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll today issued the statement below following the announcement of Brian Kennedy’s departure as the Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Director and CEO of the Peabody Essex Museum.
“Brian helped lead the Peabody Essex Museum through a period of significant transition and challenge. While I am sorry that he has moved on to new endeavors, I am hopeful that Brian’s strong work at PEM as a leader who prioritized community engagement and forward thinking will endure as the museum looks to hire their next Director and CEO. PEM has been an important partner in the remarkable transformation of our city over the last two decades and the growing prosperity of our community is reflected in the growing stature and reputation of PEM. From a small group of sea captains and merchants, to a world-renowned museum of art, culture, and history, PEM’s growth echoes our own. I’m grateful for the role Brian played in making that progress possible and I look forward to working with PEM’s leadership to ensure that forward momentum is preserved and expanded upon in the years ahead.”
