Museum Association
of Arizona

These sessions were developed by the Museum Trustee Association, and offer museum trustees and staff the opportunity to learn about board operations and governance together. 

MTA is the only group dedicated to enhancing the partnership between the museum trustee, director and staff and developing the governance skills of current and future trustees and staff. We engage the museum community and the public on the vital role that boards play in the educational missions and sustainability of museums.  

We welcome all WMA attendees to the Sessions and Meet-Up look forward to engaging conversations regarding the subjects presented by the panels. 

9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
SESSION: The Leadership Partnership
The partnership between the trustees, director and staff is vital to the success of your museum. It is a dynamic relationship that doesn’t just happen but requires understanding, shared goals, communication and maintenance. This panel will explore the roles and responsibilities of trustees, directors and staff in leading our cultural institutions.
Presenters:
Leland Peterson, Former Chair of Trustees and Interim Director, The Heard Museum
Janice Klein, Director, Museum Association of Arizona
Norah Diedrich, Jon and Linda Ender Director and CEO, Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block

10:15 - 11:00 a.m.
MUSEUM TRUSTEE MEETUP
Get to know your fellow museum Board of Trustees members from around the region and learn more about the Museum Trustee Association in an informal setting at the MTA Table outside the Exhibit Hall.

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
SESSION Partners In Progress: Trustees At The Helm Of Design And Construction For The Museum’s Future
In this panel explore the collaborative process that is essential to a successful museum building project. Whether it is a renovation, repurposing of existing space or a new building, the partnership between a director and owner’s representative in building a team which cultivates a collaborative culture is essential. Additionally, engaging a contractor with expertise in cultural projects, who is involved from the initial programming phase through post-occupancy is ideal. Also, their adaptivity at modifying traditional approaches in all phases of the project is key to informing all stakeholders, not to mention a successful project.
Presenters:
Mike Myers, Cultural Industry Specialist, Whiting-Turner
Pam Holzapfel, Vice President and Project Executive, The Projects Group

2:00 - 3:15 p.m.
SESSION: Opportunities And Challenges: Contemporary Executive Recruiting
The pandemic, the Great Resignation and cost of living changes have deeply impacted leadership searches and transitions. Join Marilyn Hoffman, founder of Museum Search & Reference along with Director Olivia Miller of the University Museum of Art, at University of Arizona to explore the newest trends in executive museum recruiting and how you can prepare for hiring your future museum leaders.
Presenters:
Marilyn Hoffman, Founder, Museum Search & Reference
Olivia Miller, Director, The University Museum of Art, University of Arizona
Anne M. Lampe, Museum Trustee Association