Sheryl Kingery Mays will be Cape Fear Museum’s new director, starting Nov. 4.

The museum’s longtime director Ruth Haas retired after about 13 years in the position.

Among Haas’ accomplishments during her time were placing a greater emphasis on conservation of artifacts, a reorganization of the museum exhibit spaces to better align with the size and scope of its collections, honing the institution’s governance structure and garnering grants to further the museum’s mission, she said in an interview late last year with the Business Journal after announcing her retirement.

Mays, who moves to Wilmington from Williamsburg, Virginia, holds a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in museum studies, according to a news release.

She has 25 years of experience as a museum professional, officials said. Most recently she served for four years as director of public programs and operations at Historic Jamestowne for Preservation Virginia.

She also worked for more than two years as curator of education for Henrico County’s Preservation and Museum Services Division in Henrico, Virginia, and nine years as director of education for Children’s Museum of Maine in Portland.

“I look forward to the opportunity to serve the public in this capacity and lead Cape Fear Museum in a direction that is responsive to its diverse community and supports the county’s strategic initiatives,” Mays said in a statement.