Three weeks ago, the National Corvette Museum announced it had added David Hill to its ranks as CEO. Hill’s appointment seemed natural since he had years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. Unfortunately, that appointment sparked an internet backlash, and Hill has officially resigned. 

David Hill, Former CEO of the National Corvette Museum.

According to accusations on Facebook, customers of a company called Mar-K Specialized Manufacturing, which Hill controlled, never received the products they ordered. Even worse, those customers were never issued refunds for that product or given any explanation as to why it wasn’t shipped. Until this year, Mar-K Specialized Manufacturing produced components for classic American trucks, specifically body parts and trim pieces. While David Hill took over the company roughly ten years ago, Mar-K had been a go-to source for restorers for almost 50 years.

Mar-K sold a variety of restoration components including body panels and trim.

Opened in 1994, the National Corvette Museum educates worldwide audiences on the impact of the Corvette through the collection, preservation, and celebration of the car’s legacy. In addition to exhibits, NCM offers plant tours, track days, and other lifestyle experiences that appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. We reached out to the National Corvette Museum for comment and received the following statement from Ryan Eichler, Director of Marketing and Communications: 

We are aware of social media allegations involving David Hill. These claims are not related to any activities, operations, or functions of the National Corvette Museum.

Effective as of Wednesday, April 9, David Hill submitted his resignation as President and CEO of the National Corvette Museum, which was accepted by the Board of Directors. We thank him for his time with the organization and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Bryce Burklow was immediately appointed President and CEO of the National Corvette Museum. A 15-year veteran of the Museum, Bryce brings deep institutional knowledge and passion for the Corvette community.

We take matters of this nature seriously and immediately initiated an internal review upon learning of the situation. While this is a personnel matter, our response reflects the Museum’s ongoing commitment to integrity, accountability, and the values that define the National Corvette Museum. The high level of interest and engagement from our Members and the Corvette community has been a powerful reminder of how much this institution means to so many.

While the controversy surrounding David Hill’s brief tenure has sparked disappointment and concern among enthusiasts, the National Corvette Museum’s swift response and transparent communication are a true example of how much the museum values Corvette fans – a community that continues to drive the car’s legacy forward with unwavering loyalty and dedication. Perhaps the NCM Board should look to that group for their next appointee.