Editor’s note: There is little doubt that one of the most important moments in the history of a museum is the transition from one board chair to another. While the role itself is one of volunteer service,
Becoming AAM Board Chair is a big commitment. What inspired you to say yes?
It was a true honor to be asked to serve. I’ve long admired the leadership of past Chairs—Nanny Trippe, Cathy McCoy, Carolyn Williams, and Dick Bodorff in particular. I saw this as a way to give back to an institution that personally brings me so much joy and plays a vital role in making the Eastern Shore a vibrant, creative community.
When you stepped into the role, did you have any particular goals in mind? Were you able to achieve them?
When I joined the Board, the Museum was preparing for a major renovation—including the transformation of our main galleries and a beautiful new entrance. Just as those plans were underway, the pandemic hit. Not only was the Museum closed for a period of time, but the world was shut down for a period of time. When we reopened, it was with renewed energy and purpose. It was in this context that the Board and staff adopted a new strategic plan focused on five key goals: engaging the community, boosting visibility, building a strong vision for our permanent collection, strengthening internal operations, and ensuring sustainable funding for ambitious programming. As Chair, my main goal was to support the Museum in achieving those goals. We have much to be proud of, but there is still work to do.
What moments stand out as highlights from your time as Chair?
The Bugatti: Reaching for Perfection exhibition was definitely a standout. It broke attendance records and attracted visitors from near and far. Curators Lee Glazer and Ken Gross brought the fascinating story of the Bugatti family to life, and thanks to the engagement of the North family, the exhibit had a strong local connection that made it even more meaningful.
Another special moment for me was meeting artist Richard Estes during his show Reflections and Connections, which is currently on display at AAM. His work is extraordinary, and walking through the exhibition with him—hearing him explain the stories behind the pieces—was unforgettable. I was especially moved when he spoke about his work [_______] that is part of AAM’s permanent collection.
People often describe the Academy Art Museum as a “gem.” What do you think makes it so special?
I hear that word a lot—and it rings true. What makes AAM so unique is the combination of being a top-tier accredited museum and also an art academy. On the exhibition side, we offer world-class exhibitions like the upcoming Rauschenberg at 100, which will celebrate the anniversary of Robert Rauschenberg’s 100th birthday. At the same time, we showcase contemporary artists like Anne Lindberg, whose installation seen and unseen is now in our atrium, and Baltimore-based fiber artist Piper Shepard, whose intricate fiber work is currently on display. Beyond the exhibitions, we offer hundreds of classes each year in everything from painting and pottery to drawing and printmaking. That dynamic—where art is both seen and created—makes AAM a truly special place.
What have you learned about the Eastern Shore community during your time as Chair?
The Eastern Shore community really supports the arts. I’ve been blown away by the generosity and loyalty of our supporters. Our donors, members, students, and visitors are the heart of AAM. Their passion and commitment keep the Museum thriving.
Looking ahead, what challenges do you see for the Museum? What should be prioritized?
We have a lot of exciting ideas and big ambitions, but we also need to be realistic about our financial and staffing capacity. State grant funding has declined, and we anticipate that trend may continue. That means we’ll need to find new ways to grow our support while continuing to deliver the exceptional experiences our community counts on. We also have very real challenges with our physical plant. Our HVAC system needs to be upgraded, our roof needs to be repaired and our building needs to be painted. These improvements are not sexy or fun, but are critical for the museum at this time.
As we plan for the future, what advice would you give me as the incoming Chair?
Stay focused on listening—really listening—to our members and supporters. Understanding what excites them, what inspires them, and what they need from us will be key to creating programs and exhibitions that resonate deeply.
Finally, what do you hope your legacy will be?
We have an extraordinary Board—talented, generous, and deeply committed. I hope that during my time as Chair, we strengthened that foundation and empowered our Trustees to be bold advocates for the Museum. If I’ve helped equip them with the tools to shape our future and guide our vision, then I’ll be very proud of that legacy.