Former VMNH Executive Director Passes

July 11, 2025

It is with profound sadness we share the news of the passing of Timothy Gette, former executive director of the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Mr. Gette joined the museum as executive director in March of 2004, having previously served as the chief operating officer of the Dallas Museum of Natural History. During his 5 year tenure as executive director, Mr. Gette championed the growth of VMNH and masterfully led the museum into a new era of success and prominence. A tenure marked by numerous accomplishments, including leading the museum's successful bid to become a Smithsonian Affiliate, Mr. Gette's VMNH legacy will forever be linked to his skillful leadership during the construction and completion of the museum's current facility.

Upon his arrival at VMNH, the museum remained housed in its original home, a former elementary school building no longer suitable for the world-class research being conducted or the state-of-the-art exhibits museum officials wished to provide. Mr. Gette not only successfully oversaw the design, construction and completion of the current museum facility, but also led the VMNH Foundation's campaign to secure $5 million to help fund the permanent exhibit galleries inside the newly constructed museum facility.

"Mr. Gette left a legacy of growth and creativity that the staff and boards have built on," said VMNH Executive Director Dr. Joe Keiper. "VMNH would not be where it is today without his dedication."

While Mr. Gette will be greatly missed, his museum legacy will remain forever.

Timothy Gette Obituary