FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14th, 2025

Millicent Rogers Museum Announces Karen Chertok as New Executive Director

Taos, New Mexico — The Millicent Rogers Museum (MRM) is excited to announce the promotion of Karen Chertok to the position of Executive Director. Karen, who has been serving as Interim Director since January, officially steps into this leadership role, bringing her passion for education, community engagement, and museum studies to one of Taos' most cherished museums.

JonnaLynn Mandelbaum, President of the Millicent Rogers Museum board of directors, expressed her enthusiasm about the decision: “We began a local and national search early in January. The board reviewed multiple applicants, but in the end, the board chose to promote Karen from within the organization. Karen has been with Millicent Rogers Museum since 2019, and she has an amazing grasp of the scope and capabilities of the organization. Karen already had a terrific rapport with the staff, and they began asking early on, ‘When are you going to make it official and hire Karen to be Executive Director?’ Having that kind of support from your staff is priceless.”

Karen Chertok began her journey with the museum as a volunteer at the front desk in 2019, quickly moving into a staff role. By March 2020, she was promoted to Director of Education, a position she held for nearly five years. Now, as Executive Director, she’s eager to continue the Museum’s mission and strengthen its relationship with the Taos community.

Reflecting on her time at the museum, Chertok shared: “This Museum holds a place in the fabric of the community, enriched by the relationships between artists, celebrity, and the spirit held in complex histories. The collection has a depth of storied material culture that reflects Northern New Mexico through various perspectives over time. We hold the heart, so to speak.”

She also emphasized her excitement about the future of the museum: “Every day there is new discovery of directions we could take. No doubt we are in challenging times, and having recently completed a master’s degree in museum studies at the University of Oklahoma, I feel prepared to lead our little gem of a museum, ensuring that we will be able to pivot as needed, while maintaining the essence of Paul Peralta-Ramos’ vision to serve the people of New Mexico.”

The board’s decision to promote from within reflects the close-knit nature of the museum’s team and community. “We reviewed many applicants, but when you take the staff and their support for Karen, the choice was clear,” said Mandelbaum. “Promoting from within your own organization is great when it works, and in this case it does.”

Chertok’s leadership also comes at a time of exciting possibilities for the museum. “Our staff is incredible, we have a great leader in place, and the board is eager, involved, and highly motivated,” added Mandelbaum.

Chertok’s commitment to the museum extends beyond her leadership role. She regularly walks through the gallery spaces to connect with the collection. “I think it’s important to take a daily walk-through and connect with the gallery spaces,” Chertok explained. “One day, it’s a straw cross; another, a particular pot or painting.” 

As she takes the reins, Chertok emphasizes the museum’s place in the Taos community: “Our community should know, this museum is theirs. It isn’t mine; it doesn’t belong to the board of trustees. We are the stewards, but it’s the community’s jewel.”

The Millicent Rogers Museum, located in Taos, New Mexico, is a cultural gem, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art, culture, and history of the Southwest. The museum was founded in 1956 by Paul Peralta-Ramos in honor of his mother, Millicent Rogers, a passionate advocate for the Native American and Hispanic artists of the region. The museum features an extensive collection of jewelry on display and for sale, textiles, pottery, and art that celebrates the spirit of Northern New Mexico.

For more information, visit millicentrogers.org or contact the Millicent Rogers Museum directly at (575) 758-2462.

Contact:
Millicent Rogers Museum
Phone: (575) 758-2462
Website: https://www.millicentrogers.org
Address: 1504 Millicent Rogers Rd, Taos, NM 87571

Media Inquiries:
Email: marketing@millicentrogers.org