This month we say farewell to Kara McLaughlin, executive director of nine years. Kara has shown great commitment to the community at The Gables through her work to promote our settlement program, our museum, and Salem itself. Her background in small business management and education, and her dedication to leading by example helped her create a more collaborative and friendly environment for staff at every level of the organization. Kara will be very missed.
While we are sad to see Kara go, we are excited to welcome Dakota Russell as the next Executive Director of The Gables. Dakota comes to us from his role as Executive Director of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, a former Japanese World War II internment camp turned museum. There Dakota was tasked with sharing the stories of over 14,000 Japanese Americans unjustly incarcerated in Park County, Wyoming. The foundation’s work in addressing issues of racism, immigration, and civil rights aligns well with The Gables’ mission to tell an inclusive American story. Dakota will be stepping into his role at The Gables on June 6.