RCMP Heritage Centre gets new CEO after Robinson announces resignation

The RCMP Heritage Centre has a new chief executive officer, just 20 months after naming her predecessor.

Sam Karikas has been named the Centre’s interim CEO to replace Tara Robinson, whose departure was announced Friday.

Robinson, whose resignation takes effect March 31, was hired to head up the Heritage Centre in July of 2021. No reason was given for her departure.

“It has been a great privilege to help build the vision for a National RCMP Museum. I am so proud to have been part of this important and historic journey,” Robinson said in a media release.

“I am thrilled for Sam to take the leadership role and have great confidence that with her commitment and passion, she will take the Centre to the next exciting level.”

The RCMP Heritage Centre opened in 2007. It has been trying to get designation as a national museum, and that process has been continuing under Robinson’s leadership.

Karikas has been working on that project for nearly three years. She’s currently the centre’s Director of Strategic Initiatives.

“I’m so grateful to have been part of the Centre’s executive team setting a bold, new vision as we look toward the future. This is a great honour for me,” she said in the release. “I’m excited to lead the Centre, and this incredible, passionate team as we continue toward National Status.

“We’re doing great things every day here and I can’t wait to show the world what we’ve got going on. I look forward to the continued collaboration and success with our partners and the community in this new role.”