Resignation effective at the end of March
LYNDEN — In 2017, Vin Quenneville became executive director of the Jansen Art Center in Lynden.
With him, Quenneville brought “vision, creative energy, and enthusiasm,” said Adrienne Stewart, president of Jansen’s board of directors.
Stewart said that in his six years with the Jansen, Quenneville’s work has “expanded our programing, broadened our community reach and support, and created partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and arts organizations.”
At the end of March, Quenneville will officially step down from his duties at the Jansen.
In a letter she wrote to the program’s volunteer base, Stewart explained that Quenneville “has been open with me and the board about his desire to assess his future career goals and other interests.”
“If you know Vin, he is always looking ahead, and this is no exception,” Stewart stated. “We are happy for Vin as he prepares for his next professional venture, but we will miss him in so many ways including his contagious optimism and friendly face.”
Monday, Quenneville told the Lynden Tribune that he is “ready and making space for new adventures.”
“I will miss all the amazing people that contribute so much to the success of the Jansen Art Center,” Quenneville said. “It is such a pillar of our community, and seeing it flourish in my six years here has been rewarding.”
Quenneville grew up in Connecticut, then spent 15 years in Vermont before he and his family moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2012.
Before coming to the Jansen in 2017, Quenneville spent 25-plus years helping small businesses thrive with a focus on motivating and creating strong, productive teams.
In leading the Jansen, Quenneville also navigated the program “through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining and supporting our exceptional staff and volunteers while ensuring that the J was financially sound,” Stewart stated.
“We are so fortunate to be where we are today, and it’s because of the stability and forward thinking (Quenneville) brought during that challenging time,” Stewart stated.
According to Stewart, the Jansen board looks to hire an interim director “and aspires to have this position filled within the next two weeks.” The board is also “taking time to assess what the organization needs from a permanent executive director to ensure it aligns” with the Jansen’s strategic plan.
“Our intent is to be methodical and thoughtful in the hiring process to set the J up for another decade of success,” Stewart stated. During the interim period, the Jansen “will be assessing our future staffing needs based on the strategic plan and input” from its Friends of the J.