Luci Creative, a full-service museum design studio and creator of dynamic experiences for civic, cultural, and corporate organisations, is celebrating the appointment of Matthew McNerney as chief creative officer and Kevin Yarashefski as chief operating officer.
These additions to the firm’s C-suite leadership team come amid a period of significant growth, with an expanded portfolio of projects, clients, and studio locations.
Both McNerney and Yarashefski report directly to AJ Goehle, CEO, who comments: “Matthew and Kevin’s arrival strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional projects. Their expertise, combined with our steadfast commitment to client visions, will unlock our full creative potential and propel us to new heights in creative and operational excellence.”
Foundation for further growth
As chief creative officer, McNerney brings more than twenty years of creative innovation and leadership in the experience design sector. He was formerly the senior creative director of experience for North America at Landor, a global brand consultancy firm. His former clients include the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Russian Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center in Moscow, and the Tenement Museum in New York.
McNerney will oversee the creative team at Luci Creative and direct the company’s creative vision and strategy to deliver the best possible museum and experience design for every project. He will also support the company in thought leadership, market expansion, and business development.
Goehle says: “Matthew’s visionary talent, insatiable curiosity, and global experience uniquely position him to redefine experience design for 21st-century visitors. He has a discerning eye for every aspect of experiential storytelling and an unwavering drive to push boundaries.”
“I’m thrilled to return to the museum world,” says McNerney. “In an industry dominated by traditional firms. Luci is refreshingly distinct: inspired, woman-owned, diverse. We really listen to our clients; that focus on understanding and collaboration is what sets us apart. It’s a place where every voice matters and creativity thrives. I am honored to be part of a team that is impassioned to not just design exhibits—we’re fearlessly working to redefine the future of museums.”
Yarashefski has more than 25 years of experience in creative brand management, human resources, client services, and project management from companies including Whirlpool, RAPP, and VSA Partners. As chief operational officer, he will oversee Luci’s studios and teams around the country, including financial management, process development, and human resources standards to promote high-functioning teams. A key objective is to create an operationally efficient basis for future expansion.
Goehle comments: “Finding a leader who champions both operational excellence and a thriving creative team was key. Kevin’s approach aligns perfectly with our studio’s values. He prioritizes business success while fostering a people-centered environment.”
Yarashefski adds: “I was captivated by this unique company and industry and felt an immediate connection with the leadership team and the organization’s mission. I’m excited to dive in and use my experience to build on the firm’s already amazing success.”
Luci Creative has grown steadily over the last six years. Originally based in Chicago, the firm established its second studio in Boston in 2018. In 2023, it opened a third studio Seattle and was also recognised as one of Chicago’s largest women-owned businesses by Crain’s Chicago Business.
The award-winning design firm currently collaborates with major institutions such as the Adams Presidential Center, Holocaust Museum Boston, National Music Museum, California Science Centre, Italian American Museum, Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Centre, and others.
Luci Creative was recently selected as the exclusive exhibit design partner for the Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity, which will be located in downtown Orlando’s “Cultural Corridor”.
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