Kankakee County Museum Names Veronica Featherston its New Director
Veronica E. Featherston of Manteno has been chosen by the Kankakee County Historical Society’s Board of Directors as the next Executive Director of the Kankakee County Museum. She will succeed long-time Executive Director Connie Licon, who is retiring April 30.
“Veronica’s selection is the culmination of a months-long search process,” commented Board President Robert de Oliveira. “We received and reviewed resumes from more than 60 applicants; our search committee then refined that number down to three candidates for interviews. All three were highly-qualified and interviewed well, but we felt that Veronica had the best combination of experience and potential for a long-term relationship with our Museum.”
The new Director has been associated with the Kankakee County Museum since 2016, when she began serving as a volunteer curatorial assistant. While still a volunteer, she assumed responsibility for supervising operation of the Museum’s satellite facility, the French Heritage Museum at the Stone Barn in downtown Kankakee. She has helped to develop and present monthly programs there, and coordinated fundraising activities.
“I’m personally thrilled to have Veronica become my successor,” said Connie Licon, who has held the Director’s post for more than a decade. “She not only has a passion for the history of the county, she also has a wealth of both academic and practical experience in many areas. Her undergraduate degree was in anthropology, she’s working on a Master’s degree at Governors State, and she has completed Museum studies in several areas through Northwestern University. She gained useful supervisory experience on active duty with the Illinois Air National Guard, where she achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.”
In her application letter, the new director summarized her reasons for seeking the position: “Born and raised in Kankakee County, this position appeals to me because I long to do my part to preserve our County’s history and culture. Throughout my employment history, I have valued the importance of serving others. I believe the Kankakee County Museum serves the public of Kankakee County well by preserving local history and sharing it with the community. I treasure being a part of this team.”
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