When is the right time to retire? For Dale Robertson, the answer came in the form of advice he received from the late Donald Maine, former president of Davenport University.
“The best time to leave a position like mine was when you got between 75 and 85% done of what you want to get done, and trying to stay beyond that, you get into the proverbial laws of diminishing returns, and it isn’t beneficial for the organization - it’s not beneficial for you.”
Robertson says the retirement announcement was also made in the spirit of full disclosure. Next year, both the museum and John Ball Zoo will seek continued public funding.
“We are hoping along with the zoo to earn a spot on either the August or November 2026 ballot to renew the zoo and museum millage that was passed in 2016.”
Robertson says one of his proudest achievements is making the museum and its programs accessible to everyone.
“I think it was just going back to our roots as an educational institution. No matter how you learn, we can accommodate you and we are as accessible as we can be to the broadest population.”
The 67-year-old Robertson and his wife plan on moving to Leelanau County once he retires at the end of 2026.
