Auckland War Memorial Museum has announced the appointment of their first female Director - Dr Vanda Vitali, from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, California.

"Dr Vitali is internationally recognised for her innovative approach to exhibitions and programming, and will lead Auckland Museum in developing original exhibition experiences," says Auckland Museum Trust Board Chairman David Hill.Auckland War Memorial Museum has announced the appointment of their first female Director - Dr Vanda Vitali, from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, California.

"Dr Vitali is internationally recognised for her innovative approach to exhibitions and programming, and will lead Auckland Museum in developing original exhibition experiences," says Auckland Museum Trust Board Chairman David Hill.Dr Vitali, the Vice President of Public Programmes and Director of Content Development at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles assumes the position of Director at Auckland Museum following the retirement of current Director, Dr Rodney Wilson, on 30 September 2007.

Mr Hill said the appointment was exciting news for the Museum.

"We are thrilled to have Dr Vitali on board. Now that our building development projects have been completed, we are in a perfect position to refocus on developing and promoting leading programmes and services with broad appeal.

"Her work is renowned for encouraging public engagement. She is strongly motivated to make museums accessible to a wider audience and is a firm believer that museums should inspire more and teach less."

Auckland Museum was pleased with the high level of local and overseas interest in the role, which was an indication of the Museum's burgeoning international reputation, Mr Hill said.

Dr Vanda Vitali is Auckland Museum's first female director. She is a Canadian citizen and has a Doctorate in Materials Science from the University of Toronto and post doctorate qualifications in Epistemology (interpretation of science in archaeology).

Mr Hill said that outgoing Director, Dr Rodney Wilson, had done a remarkable job leading Auckland Museum's major development initiatives over the past 13 years. This was capped by the opening of the Grand Atrium development in December last year.

12/7/07