Hill-Stead Names Interim Director

A former Farmington woman has been appointed interim executive director of the Hill-Stead Museum in place of Sue Sturtevant, the museum announced suddenly.

The announcement was made just before Thanksgiving, touting the qualifications of interim director Debra K. Pasquale but giving no reason for the change in leadership.

Pasquale, who lived in Farmington for 20 years with her husband Dr. Dominick N. Pasquale, served a term on the Town Council. She has also held leadership positions with various nonprofit organizations, including Connecticut United for Research Excellence, Inc., (CURE) and the American Red Cross. 

"We are fortunate to have engaged Debra for this interim position.  Her integrity-driven, results-oriented and customer-focused style combined with extensive professional and volunteer leadership roles during change, growth and transition make her the right choice for Hill-Stead," M. Timothy Corbett, Board of Governor's president, is quoted as saying in a release.

"I'm honored that the Board of Governors has invited me to serve them during this transition," Pasquale said. 

Pasquale currently owns dkp Transition Services, LLC and lives in Bloomfield.

The release gives a nod to Sturtevant, who led the museum for four years.

"The Board of Governors is most appreciative of Sue's visionary leadership.  Her creative initiatives and enthusiasm expanded our programming with events like this year's Winter Exhibit, and she was a keen supporter of the Farmers Market, Dinner on the Hill and the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival.  For these and many other contributions we thank her and wish her well,” Corbett said.

Messages left at the Hill-Stead were not returned Monday.