Stickley Museum Exec. Director To Step Down, Board Seeks Successor

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The Executive Director of The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms has announced that she is stepping down, and representatives are now seeking a successor to fill the vacancy.

Vonda K. Givens has announced her plans to step down from her position as the museum’s Executive Director after 17 years of service. According to museum representatives, Givens will carry out responsibilities as director until a celebratory sendoff at the museum’s annual autumn fundraiser on
Oct. 4.

“Vonda has been a visionary and resilient leader,” said Barbara Weiskittel, Chair of the Board of Trustees, in a statement. “First as Education Director, and then over the past ten years as Executive Director, she has guided the museum with creativity, dedication, and strength—especially during some of our most challenging moments. From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered in-person operations, to leading the construction of a new education center and then overseeing the rebuilding of the Annex, following Tropical Storm Isaias, Vonda’s leadership has been both steadfast and inspiring.”

The Stickley Museum, founded in 2007, is a nonprofit organization located at Craftsman Farms, located at 2352 NJ-10 in Morris Plains. The museum highlights the creations of Stickley, an American furniture company with a “rich history of crafting high-quality, solid wood furniture, known for its enduring craftsmanship and commitment to American manufacturing.”

According to representatives, Vonda was steadfast in maintaining Stickley’s ideas and standards of craftsmanship and will be missed in her role as Executive Director.

“Vonda leaves a lasting legacy at The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms,” Weiskittel said. “While we will deeply miss her, we wholeheartedly support her decision and look forward to seeing her next chapter unfold. In her tenure at the museum, Vonda has well positioned us to address the opportunities and challenges of our future.”

A search committee was formed to replace Givens’ role. The Executive Director is responsible for museum operations, fundraising programs, financial management, and more. Click here to view the job listing for more details.