The woman who has served as CEO of The Rooms for the last six years is retiring this May.

Ann Chafe was named as interim CEO of The Rooms in 2019 following the termination of previous CEO Dean Brinton’s contract, and was appointed to the position in June of 2020.

Chafe had a lengthy history in the museum and cultural field in both this province and Ontario – having begun her museum career at the old Newfoundland Museum on Duckworth Street in 1983.

She is being recognized for leading the creation of three permanent exhibitions at the Rooms including Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou: Newfoundlanders and Labradorians Overseas and at Home.

Her official retirement is effective May 13th.

The Department of Tourism and Culture will consult with The Rooms’ Board of Directors in selecting a new CEO through the Independent Appointments Commission.

Her work has been recognized by the Governor General of Canada’s History Alive program, the Canadian Museums Association, the Ontario Museum Association, the Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Historic Sites Association of NL. She is a recipient of the Sally Thorsen Award for Professional Excellence from the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation.