Daniel Kurt Ackermann appointed Director

Daniel Kurt Ackermann has been named director of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, the historic house museum for American decorative arts at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. MS&R Senior Search Consultant Connie Rosemont led the national search.

Leela Outcalt appointed Chief of Collections Care

We are pleased to announce that, after an international search led by Museum Search & Reference Senior Search Consultant Ida Tomlin, the Royal Ontario Museum has appointed Leela Outcalt as Chief of Collections Care. In this newly created role, Outcalt is responsible for the direct management of ROM’s extensive permanent collections, including over 13 million objects and specimens in 27 different disciplines spanning art, culture, and nature. A member of the senior management team and a key partner in long-range institutional planning, the CCC reports to the Deputy Director, Collections & Research and Chief Innovation Officer. 

Yao Wu appointed Curator of Chinese Art and Culture 

We are pleased to announce that the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), in Salem, Massachusetts, has appointed Yao Wu as the museum’s first Huang Family Curator of Chinese Art and Culture, effective March 4, 2024. MS&R Senior Search Consultant Connie Rosemont led the international search.

Gavin Kleespies appointed Executive Director

We are pleased to announce that Gore Place, the historic house museum and farm in Waltham and Watertown, Massachusetts, has appointed Gavin Kleespies as its next Executive Director, effective January 2, 2024. The nationwide search was led by MS&R Senior Search Consultant Scott Stevens.

Andrew Dunehoo appointed Executive Director

We are pleased to announce that the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) in Kearney, NE has appointed Andrew Dunehoo as its new executive director as it prepares to reopen next year after a major renovation and facility construction expansion. Dunehoo was hired after a national search lead by MS&R senior search consultant Suzanne Tan. He replaces Nicole Herden, who left in July to become executive director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Dunehoo’s first day at MONA was November 6, 2023.

Emily Dunnack appointed Director of Learning and Engagement

Emily Dunnack is the new Director of Learning and Engagement at the New Britain Museum of American Art. MS&R Senior Search Consultant Lora Urbanelli led the national search. Dunnack joined the leadership team at New Britain in December 2023.

Dr. Jiyeon Kim appointed Curator of Korean Art

Dr. Jiyeon Kim is the Curator of Korean Art, a term position generously funded at PEM by the National Museum of Korea. In this role, Kim will develop PEM’s new Korean art gallery, set to open in 2025. MS&R Senior Search Consultant Connie Rosemont assisted PEM with this search.

Dr. Devorah Romanek named Chief of Exhibits and Interpretive Services

After a national search led by MS&R senior search consultant Ida Tomlin, the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) has appointed Dr. Devorah Romanek as MOHAI’s Chief of Exhibits and Interpretive Services. Romanek began work at MOHAI on May 8.