The National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) in the United States has announced the appointment of Joyce Winnecke to its Board of Directors. Her appointment, alongside that of Scott Hefter, brings extensive experience in digital transformation, strategy, and storytelling to the museum as it continues to expand its digital-first approach to sharing women’s stories.
“As we transform the museum experience through cutting-edge digital platforms and immersive storytelling, Scott and Joyce bring the strategic vision and operational excellence we need to reach new audiences and deepen engagement across communities,” said Frédérique Irwin, President and CEO of NWHM. “They understand that technology is not an end in itself—it’s a powerful tool for democratizing access to women’s stories and creating spaces where every woman’s history matters.”
Joyce Winnecke brings a wealth of experience as a strategist, journalist, and media executive. She currently advises businesses and nonprofit organisations on communications, strategy, and transformation, combining editorial excellence with executive leadership.
Throughout her journalism career, Winnecke held senior roles at the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, where she directed award-winning newsrooms, managed business operations, and led major digital transformation initiatives. As President of Tribune Content Agency, she successfully reversed a decade-long decline at the 100-year-old syndication business, driving innovation and introducing new business models to adapt to the evolving media landscape.
Her leadership extends beyond the media. Winnecke is Immediate Past President of both the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and the International Women’s Forum Chicago, demonstrating her long-standing dedication to advancing women’s leadership and equity. She also sits on the boards of WITS (Working in the Schools), the largest independent literacy provider for Chicago Public Schools, and St. Laurence High School, a leadership-focused institution that primarily serves scholarship students.
“Our Board is growing at exactly the right moment,” said Susan Whiting, Board Chair. “Scott’s deep experience in strategy and organizational transformation, and Joyce’s leadership navigating media companies through major shifts in communications and audience engagement, align directly with our evolution into a digital-first museum.”
With Hefter and Winnecke joining its board, the National Women’s History Museum aims to deepen its engagement with diverse communities and broaden access to women’s stories through technology-driven initiatives. Their combined experience is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the museum’s next phase of growth and ensuring that women’s contributions are celebrated as an integral part of the American story.
