Museum of Idaho announces new executive director

The Museum of Idaho on Thursday morning announced Karen Baker of Washington state as its new executive director.

“Oh, I cannot even explain how excited [I am]. This is kind of a culmination of a lot of things that I’ve done in my life, and it kind of matches my passion for culture and history. So it’s just, I think, like a perfect storm of excitement,” Baker said.

The Museum of Idaho began its for a new executive director in April, and after narrowing down candidates and interviews with the board of trustees, Baker was the final pick. She has a breadth of experience in working with nonprofits and educational foundations, museum officials said.

“I kind of see this as a new chapter, a new future. I think as a community organization, this is an opportunity for everyone to come together and build a new future for the next 100 years for the museum.,” Baker said.

She will begin working full time at the museum starting Sept. 19.