American Swedish Institute Announces New COO

MINNEAPOLIS — The American Swedish Institute (ASI) announces Peggy Korsmo-Kennon will retire as COO at the end of the year. Korsmo-Kennon has led as COO for 14 years, serving as a dedicated advocate for further establishing ASI as a radically welcoming and transformative gathering space for all.  

In her tenure, she has overseen the Nelson Cultural Center addition and its LEED Gold certification, introducing FIKA Café, and her contributions to the renovation of the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House project. Peggy will be replaced by Ingrid Nyholm-Lange, formerly the Director of Experience at ASI, starting January 1, 2024.

“It has been an incredible journey serving as the COO of the American Swedish Institute for the past 14 years. I’m grateful to have been part of a team that transformed this institution into a space that warmly welcomes and engages the lives of all who enter. Plus, it’s been amazingly fun!” says Peggy Korsmo-Kennon, ASI’s COO. “As I retire as COO, I am confident that the legacy we’ve built will continue to flourish under the capable leadership of Ingrid Nyholm-Lange, whose years of experience at ASI uniquely positions her to carry forward our mission.”

“Peggy Korsmo-Kennon guided ASI in its transformation. In her many years with us as COO, she brought her extensive knowledge of museums to bear with steadiness and good humor. Her leadership has supported ASI’s growth both as a cultural institution and a gathering place for all people.” says ASI’s President and CEO Molly Steenson. “I am delighted that Ingrid Nyholm-Lange will serve as ASI’s next COO. She has extensive experience with every nook and cranny of ASI and has the deep appreciation and respect of our staff and community.”  

Ingrid Nyholm-Lange has more than 25 years of leadership experience in museums and cultural centers across the United States. Her passion for museums began with her first job in visitor services and grew to encompass leadership positions across multiple disciplines at the Chicago Historical Society, Swedish American Museum Center, Minnesota Children’s Museum, and now the American Swedish Institute. 

Since she started working at ASI in 2007, Ingrid has overseen ASI’s collections, exhibitions, programs, and visitor services activities. She has led the institution to develop an expansive portfolio of community engagement initiatives, to expand the organization’s reach, and to engage and connect with new audiences through innovative programs and exhibitions.   

“I am truly honored to step into the role of COO at the ASI, an institution that has been instrumental in sharing cultural experiences with Minnesota. Peggy’s legacy is one of dedication and vision, and I am grateful for the solid foundation she has laid during her remarkable tenure,” says Ingrid Nyholm-Lange, Director of Experience at ASI. “I’m excited to build on this legacy, working collaboratively with our passionate team and our vibrant community.”  

American Swedish Institute (ASI), designated to the National Register for Historic Places, home of the Turnblad Mansion, a historic castle-like mansion, museum and cultural center, and a gathering place for all people to explore diverse experiences of migration, identity, belonging, and the environment through arts and culture, informed by enduring links to Sweden. ASI, which received the Best Practices Award from the Association of Midwest Museums, is an organization The Wall Street Journal calls “[a] model of how a small institution can draw visitors through exciting programming,” is located at 2600 Park Avenue in Minneapolis.

Media Contact: Darby Johnson, Public Relations Specialist