Swannanoa Valley Museum director steps down

LeAnne Johnson accepts leadership position at Asheville Museum of History

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
June 16, 2026

Swannanoa Valley Museum Executive Director LeAnne Johnson will step down from her role, June 20, after accepting the same position with the Asheville Museum of History. Photo by Fred McCormick

A downtown Black Mountain nonprofit organization will search for new leadership, as Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center Executive Director LeAnne Johnson steps down to accept the same position for the Asheville Museum of History.

The SVM, which has launched a search for a new director, will host a celebration of Johnson, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Thursday, June 18, at Peri Social House.

The outgoing director accepted her position at SVM in 2020, when she was immediately tasked with navigating the COVID pandemic. Under her guidance, the museum expanded businesses partnerships and elevated the organization’s digital and social media footprint. The local resident served as vice chair of the Swannanoa Community Council from 2021-2024.

"I am immensely grateful for my time at the Swannanoa Valley Museum and will miss this wonderful community and our incredible team of volunteers deeply," she said. "Helping to preserve and share the rich history of the valley has been an honor. While it is difficult to leave, this transition represents an exciting next step to further my career, and I am thrilled to embrace the new challenges and opportunities awaiting me at the Asheville Museum of History."

Johnson will remain in her role until Saturday, June 20, while the SVM Board of Directors is accepting letters of intent and resumes at info@history.swannanoavalleymuseusm.org.

Founded in 1989, the SVM is Buncombe County’s primary museum of local history, dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique cultural and natural heritage of the Swannanoa Valley. The center operates in the historic Town of Black Mountain fire station building, which was designed by Biltmore Estate supervising architect Richard Sharpe Smith, and constructed in 1921.

Johnson will continue her 20-year career in nonprofits and museums at the Smith-McDowell House, where the Asheville Museum of History explores and interprets the history and culture of WNC.