Updated: Sue Loiland Named New Director of History Museum

Sue Loiland, development director and number two person overseeing the , has been named the museum's new executive director.

She will replace .

Loiland accepted the appointment late this afternoon after board members made their decision in an emergency meeting. She has been with the museum since 2005, serving as its capital campaign director.

As such, she played an essential role in the museum’s five-year effort to raise the $12 million in funds needed to build the new Harbor Museum overlooking the waterfront on Harborview Drive. The new 14,500 square foot facility opened in September 2010.

“Sue played a major role in our fundraising effort to build our museum,” said Museum President Frank Ruffo, in a prepared statement announcing Loiland’s appointment. “She is an excellent communicator and fundraiser and has demonstrated her ability to manage the museum through successful oversight of critical museum events and activities such as the Basket Social, Splash, grand opening and more. Sue’s appointment was a natural choice to provide continuity within our organization as we transition to an operational entity.”

Prior to joining the museum, Loiland was a development associate with Washington Women’s Employment and Education. She also enjoyed a 16-year career in banking, holding various positions, including Internal Auditor and Operations Officer.

Loiland will take over the executive director’s role on Sept. 26.