Lise Dube-Scherr

     With over 20 years of executive and senior leadership experience, I bring a proven record of aligning organizational vision with execution and guiding both new and established nonprofit organizations toward sustainable success. My expertise spans strategic planning, operational excellence, and administrative leadership, ensuring that mission-driven organizations thrive in complex and evolving environments.
     In previous roles as Executive Director, CEO, and senior management leader, I developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in nonprofit leadership. I have consistently emphasized effective communication, organizational planning, and team engagement to maximize impact and operational success. 
     I have successfully led organizational restructuring, improved team performance, and fostered positive, inclusive work environments that support long-term sustainability. These accomplishments reflect my ability to navigate diverse nonprofit landscapes, balancing regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and mission advancement. My servant leadership style is rooted in data-informed decision making, cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to empowering teams to achieve meaningful outcomes for the communities they serve.

Selected Experience

Deputy Director, Art & Education

The James Museum – St. Petersburg, FL | May 2024 – October 2025

Position eliminated due to organizational restructuring.

Advised executive leadership on strategic planning and institutional priorities.

Managed $700K budget and supervised seven direct reports.

Directed museum‑wide planning projects and strengthened governance through committee restructuring.

Dean, Continuing & Professional Studies

Delaware College of Art and Design – Wilmington, DE | January 2021 – May 2024

College closed in Spring 2024 due to unsustainable enrollment decline.

Reported directly to President, advising on accreditation, strategy, and program development.

Designed and launched new workforce‑focused program aligned with institutional goals and market needs.

Led comprehensive, college-wide regulatory re-accreditation process. 

Executive Director / CEO

International Arts & Artists – Washington, DC | January 2019 – October 2020

Position eliminated due to pandemic-related restructuring.

Partnered with Board to align vision with operational priorities across multiple program areas.

Directed $2M budget and 21 staff; implemented restructuring to improve workflow and retention.

Guided crisis response: managed 50% budget reduction, transitioned to remote operations, and maintained solvency.

Produced financial forecasts and compliance reports to support Board decision‑making.

Director of Museum Affairs

Preservation Society of Newport County – Newport, RI | 2017 – 2019

Oversaw operations across 11 historic properties, managing $2.5M budget and 13 staff.

Directed 13 Board and volunteer committees, serving as liaison between executive leadership and stakeholders.

Co‑managed national accreditation process and led special projects to enhance organizational relevance.

Executive Director

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum – Chicago, IL | 2011 – 2017

Scaled operations, managing $3M–$5.5M budgets and cross‑functional teams.

Increased annual engagement from 4,000 to 52,000 through aligned programming and outreach.

Reduced founder dependency by growing income from $100K to $2.8M.

Served as primary spokesperson and advisor to Board, ensuring national recognition.

M.A., Art Education – Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec

B.A., Art History – University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta