BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The longtime head of the Whatcom Museum has announced her plans to step down.

Executive Director Patricia Leach says she will retire on March 31, 2025, after more than 17 years with the museum.

Leach oversaw several major changes during her tenure including the 2009 opening of the Lightcatcher Building—a milestone in environmental design for museums in Washington state.

She was also instrumental in establishing the museum as a Smithsonian Affiliate, which opened the doors to new partnerships.

Leach was a staunch advocate for incorporating Indigenous voices in the museum’s operations, having expanded its Indigenous Advisory Committee to include both Lummi and Nooksack Tribal members.

Her retirement marks the end of a 42-year career as an executive director that took her from Nashville, TN to Salinas, CA before ending up in Bellingham.

The museum says it will begin its search for a new director soon.