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Leadership
Amid today’s turbulent cultural and financial scenarios, it’s simply not an easy time to keep a museum running. From insights on keeping sane to building healthy board relationships, coming together in the face of disasters, and more—learn about leading today’s museums in this vital issue of Museum.
In this issue:
From the President
Listening Up
“In my first few months as the President & CEO of AAM, I’ve been on a listening tour, hoping to form a big picture of where the field is now and where we could all use some collective support. One thing I’ve learned: it’s not an easy time to keep a museum running, for just about anyone. There are a common set of concerns that keep museum leaders up at night: relationships with their staff and boards, escalating threats like political polarization and climate change, and, most of all, shortages in funding. … How do we find hope amid all this turbulence? For me, and many of the people I talk to, it’s the thought that in all the challenge lies great opportunity.”
» Read the full column, an introduction to the issue from AAM’s President and CEO, Marilyn Jackson.
Group Dynamics: Strategies for Effective Board Relationships
FEATURE
by Matthew C. Naylor
The museum executive’s effective relationship with the board engenders healthy governance and strong organizations.
Cultivating an Ecosystem of Care in the World of Museum Leadership
FEATURE
by Micah D. Parzen
Tips on keeping sane in the insane world of museum leadership.
When Disaster Strikes
FEATURE
by Kristina L. Durocher
The unexpected closure of the Museum of Art at the University of New Hampshire shocked staff and supporters—and offers important insights for the field.
Boldly Charting New Frontiers
FEATURE
A Q&A with the 2024 Nancy Hanks Memorial Award Rising Star recipients, discussing the future of museum leadership.
Follow the Leader
POINT OF VIEW
by Daniel J. Julius
What does effective decision-making look like in the museum environment?
Fearless Leadership for Uncertain Times
POINT OF VIEW
by Beth Tuttle
How current and emerging museum leaders can shift their mindset from fear to fierce.
September/October 2024 issue
By the Numbers:
Leadership Outlook
» Stats from AAM’s Museum Board Leadership Report and surveys conducted on the needs of AAM members shed some light on where leaders are focusing.
49%
of museum directors consider “measuring and communicating the impact of museums” to be the top priority in the next few years.
50%
of museum staff consider workplace practices to be a priority in the next few years.
65%
of museum CEOs believe boards should strengthen their fundraising efforts.
» For more on this topic, explore the Museum Board Leadership: A National Report (AAM, 2024) and other recent research and reports.
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Stay tuned!
November/December 2024 – DEAI
» Explore the Editorial Calendar.
» The 2025 Editorial Calendar will be available soon! Check back on the Editorial Calendar page.
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