March 29, 2010

About

For 25 years museums have been my passion. I have worked in small and large museums providing leadership for planning, policy development, membership services, fund raising, conservation, preservation, collaborations, visitor services, exhibitions and programming. I helped to shepherd the Small Museum Association in its development serving as board member, treasurer, conference chair and president; worked with the Virginia Association of Museums as Council member, treasurer and President; and have served on the Standards and Mentor committees of the American Association for State and Local History; and on the Small Museum committee of the Mid Atlantic Association of Museums.

Practical Matters is available to museums and historical societies to provide advice, assistance and consultation on management and organizational needs.

John H. Verrill

Recommendations

Charles F. Bryan, Jr., President and CEO emeritus, Virginia Historical Society & former President of the American Association for State and Local History.

”John Verrill has a wealth of hands-on experience in the running of museums, an attribute that is often missing in the consulting field. Throughout his career, he has, as they say, done it all. Any organization in need of the hand of experience will benefit greatly from John’s services.”

Scott Harris, Council Member, Past President, Virginia Association of Museums

“John Verrill succeeded me as President of the Viriginia Association of Museums in 2008. VAM was fortunate to have John at the helm over the past two years, which presented many challenges to the organization. The sluggish economy cut into membership and financial resources; a staffing problem required complex and protracted investigation and response; and VAM began the process of assessing its mission and updating its strategic plan. Through all of this and more, John provided committed, principled leadership, an open mind, and a firm resolve to do right by the VAM membership. His personal integrity and gracious manner (as well as his ability to wear bow ties with panache) have endeared him to his colleagues. His services to the Virginia museum community have earned him admiration and gratitude. Thanks, John, for everything!” March 11, 2010

Cherie Cook, Senior Program Manager, American Association for State and Local History

“During the development phase of AASLH’s new StEPs standards program, John volunteered his time as Team Leader for the Mission, Vision, and Governance Team. John led the team of eight in identifying and reaching consensus on performance indicators for national museum standards assigned to the team. John is a skilled leader and excellent listener. I enjoyed working with him and valued his participation and input into the new StEPs program!” March 12, 2010

Our Collections Management Affiliate-Jeanne Niccolls

I love small museums! Nearly 30 years of experience as a collections manager in small and medium sized museums has taught me that museum work is never boring and daily brings new opportunities. My experience also includes special event and adult program planning, exhibit preparation, staff training, furnishings plan development and writing text for interpretive exhibits, brochures, online catalog notes and technical manuals.

Standards and best practices for museums has been the foundation of my service as a peer reviewer for the American Association of Museums in the Accreditation and Museum Assessment Programs, for Institute of Museum and Library Services grant applications and for the Virginia Association of Museums pilot Circuit Rider Program.

Adding to my staff experience in a multi-layered government agency, volunteer service on the Collections Committee at my county history museum and as a board member for local non-profit arts organizations has given me valuable external perspective into small non-profit organizations.

Jeanne’s Recommendations

Pamela Feltus, Accreditation Coordinator, American Association of Museums

“Jeanne has the respect of her peers and serves as one of the voices of experience and knowledge in the field. Between her peer review service and presentations at various conferences and courses, she has helped shaped the dialogue and creation of museum collections standards.”

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