FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hagley Museum and Library Appoints New CEO to Lead Next Era of Innovation
WILMINGTON, DE — The Board of Trustees of Hagley Museum and Library is pleased to announce the appointment of its next Chief Executive Officer, Hillary Olson, who will officially assume the role in July 2026. This appointment follows the retirement of Jill MacKenzie, who served the institution with distinction for 44 years, including her tenure as Executive Director.
Hillary Olson is a highly accomplished museum leader with over 30 years of experience leading and transforming nonprofit educational institutions. As President and CEO of the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC), she has successfully led three sites with over 1.2 million collection objects. Her leadership has resulted in significant achievements, including leading a comprehensive strategic and master planning process, restructuring a major capital campaign, and securing funding for capital improvements. She developed both short-term and long-term strategic plans and fostered stable, long-term relationships with regional communities. Under her guidance, the institution achieved re-accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums in 2024.
She joins Hagley at a pivotal moment as the institution prepares to launch a new strategic plan, furthering its focus on innovation. The search, conducted by the Board in partnership with Kittleman & Associates, sought a visionary leader capable of engaging diverse audiences with Hagley’s world-class collections, forward-looking mission, and historical site.
"We are thrilled to welcome Hillary Olson who shares our deep commitment to the history of American business, technology, and innovation," said Henry B. duPont IV, President of the Hagley Board of Trustees. "As we transition our leadership, we are confident that our new CEO will amplify Hagley’s mission, inspiring new generations to explore the process and impact of innovation in their own lives."
The new CEO will oversee all aspects of the 235-acre National Historic Landmark, including the museum, gardens, and the world-renowned Hagley Library.
About Hagley Museum and Library
Located on 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine River, Hagley is the site of the gunpowder works founded by E. I. du Pont in 1802. This National Historic Landmark provides a unique glimpse into American life at work and at play in the nineteenth century. Hagley’s library is the nation’s premier business history library, preserving the records of thousands of American companies and the stories of the people who built them.