The Chugach Museum is thrilled to announce the hiring of two accomplished professionals, both possessing deep experience in the museum and non-profit sectors, and who will each play pivotal roles in the museum’s development: Maura Wharton will serve as Deputy Director, and Molly Conley comes on board as Collection Manager. Both bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and vision to the organization as it prepares for it’s a few major milestones—launching a capital campaign, assessing the collection, and gearing up for site preparation later this summer.

Maura Wharton joins the museum after a distinguished tenure at the Rasmuson Foundation, where she most recently served as Senior Program Associate. Over the years, she has led major grant programs supporting Alaska’s artists and nonprofit leaders, managed large-scale collaborative initiatives, and brought strategic insight to partner engagement and process improvement. Her background also includes key roles at The Foraker Group, where she worked closely with nonprofit and board leadership across the state.

Wharton brings a deep commitment to Alaska’s cultural and artistic landscape. “I am very excited about the opportunity to strategically connect funding and collaborative partners, and our community to the story of the Chugach people,” she said. “Being part of a project that celebrates heritage and belonging, while making a positive impact on the community, will be an absolute joy.”

Molly Conley, a seasoned museum professional with over fifteen years of experience, steps into the role of Collection Manager. Most recently serving as Curator for the National Park Service’s Alaska Region, Conley has overseen complex collections, developed strategic preservation plans, and led cross-agency initiatives to safeguard Alaska’s cultural resources. Her work has spanned both federal and state institutions, and her leadership in professional museum organizations across Alaska underscores her deep-rooted commitment to community-focused museum work.

“This role is an incredible fit for both my past experience and my passion for preserving Alaska’s cultural heritage,” Conley shared. “I am enthusiastic about applying my professional expertise in this role, and equally motivated by the potential for new challenges and professional development. I’m truly looking forward to collaboratively building a museum deeply rooted in Chugach community through a co-creation framework.”

Chugach Museum Director Monica Garcia-Itchoak expressed her enthusiasm for these important additions to the team, “Maura and Molly bring extraordinary skill and passion to this project. Their combined expertise in strategic leadership, cultural preservation, and community engagement will shape not only what our museum offers, but how it serves as a home for the culture and heritage of the Chugach people and region. We are excited to welcome them as we move into the museum’s next phase with the site preparation slated for later this summer.” To learn more or to donate, contact us at info@chugachmuseum.org.