Millicent Rogers Museum Mourns the Loss of Executive Director Karen Chertok

It comes with great sadness that the Millicent Rogers Museum announces the passing of its beloved Executive Director, Karen Chertok, who passed away on October 9, 2025.

Karen was a breast cancer survivor for sixteen years before the illness returned unexpectedly, taking her from us far too soon. The suddenness and speed of her passing came as a profound shock to everyone on our team. There was little warning and no time to prepare. Yet, in true Karen fashion, she continued to think of her staff and the museum’s unfinished work until the very end. Her unwavering dedication, quiet strength, and compassion for others defined her life and leadership. She was an extraordinary colleague, mentor, and friend.

Karen began her journey at the Millicent Rogers Museum in 2019 as a volunteer and quickly became Director of Education. She found immense joy in nurturing young minds through art, crafts, books, snacks, and exploration — particularly during her beloved Museum Mondays program each summer.

During her memorial service, staff and volunteers fondly reminisced about Karen walking through the museum’s galleries, surrounded by a flock of toddlers eagerly searching for the little surprises she had hidden throughout the exhibits. Her energy, imagination, and joy in teaching made the museum a place of discovery and wonder for all children and families alike.

While serving as Education Director, Karen pursued her Master’s Degree in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma, a reflection of her lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth. Shortly after earning her degree, the position of Executive Director became available, and Karen stepped in as Interim Director while official processes were followed. To the staff and board, it was clear there was no better person for the role. Karen had already proven herself to be a natural leader. Karen was deeply knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to the museum’s mission and staff.

“There was no one better suited for the job, it had to be Karen,” said JonnaLynn Mandelbaum, President of the Board of Directors. “Karen was more than our Executive Director — she quickly became my friend. I was fortunate to work with Karen.”

Karen was officially named Executive Director in February 2025, and under her leadership, the museum rapidly began to thrive. She cared deeply for her team, recognizing each person’s strengths and encouraging them to develop their talents. She listened, inspired, and empowered those around her, creating an environment rooted in trust and collaboration. Her ability to balance strong conviction with openness to new ideas was her superpower — one that left an indelible mark on everyone who worked with her.

We lost a great leader, a dear friend, an exceptional light, and a vibrant example of faith and will. To say Karen’s time as Executive Director of the museum was too short would not do justice to the depth of this loss. The staff, board, volunteers, and every visitor who entered the museum during Karen’s brief tenure could see the bright future she was helping to paint.

Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In honor of her love for education and her passion for sharing the museum with the public, the Millicent Rogers Museum has established the Karen Chertok Education Fund. This fund will continue her mission of expanding young minds while connecting them to the deep culture and history of our region. Though her time with us was short, Karen’s legacy will remain strong — a guiding light for the museum and the community she cherished.