The Chippewa Valley Museum has written a new chapter of its own history: The institution has a new executive director, Julie Bunke, who took over on Jan. 5, replacing the retiring Susan McLeod. Bunke has 18 years of experience in museums, most recently as executive director and curator of the St. Charles Heritage Center in St. Charles, Ill. There she did everything from manage collections and design exhibits to raise funds and write grant applications. She also worked for three years as museum supervisor at the Downers Grove Park District Museum in Downers Grove, Ill. “I am very excited to be an advocate for the Chippewa Valley Museum,” Bunke said in a press release. “I am ready to take on the challenge of a larger museum, interpreting history for a larger area and a broader audience.” McLeod, who is retiring after 30 years at the Chippewa Valley Museum, will stay on for two weeks to help with Bunke’s transition. To learn more about the museum, which is in Eau Claire’s Carson Park, visit cvmuseum.com.