Devon Akmon Email & Phone Number

East Lansing, Michigan, United States

Develop and implement a strong interdisciplinary vision for the museum that connects it both to MSU’s academic strengths and to broader community and global issuesServe as the Museum’s chief liaison with the university and global community, ensuring that the museum’s impact is felt campus-wide, locally, and internationallyManage the operational and administrative duties of the MSU Museum in close collaboration with other University unitsDevelop a strategic plan for an… Show more Develop and implement a strong interdisciplinary vision for the museum that connects it both to MSU’s academic strengths and to broader community and global issuesServe as the Museum’s chief liaison with the university and global community, ensuring that the museum’s impact is felt campus-wide, locally, and internationallyManage the operational and administrative duties of the MSU Museum in close collaboration with other University unitsDevelop a strategic plan for an innovative, interdisciplinary museum with broad buy-inDevelop strategies for integrating the museum into the MSU educational experience and connecting with local communitiesConnect the museum and its staff to national and international organizations, and serving in leadership roles within those organizationsOrganize and overseeing an effective advisory boardIn collaboration with the Senior Director of Development for Cultural Arts, pursue an active fundraising strategyProvide fiscal oversight that is tied to the strategic goals Hire, supervise, and oversee the professional development of staffBuild a cohesive, high-performing culture Provide leadership in the university’s evolving arts strategy Show less

Detroit, Michigan, United States

Developed and executed a strategic plan to transition the organization from a startup to a more established entity.Collaborated with staff to design and implement both virtual and in-person exhibitions and programs catering to diverse local and global audiences during the onset of the global pandemic.Navigated the organization through leadership changes and the introduction of new strategic priorities at Michigan State University.Assumed role as Museum Director in July… Show more Developed and executed a strategic plan to transition the organization from a startup to a more established entity.Collaborated with staff to design and implement both virtual and in-person exhibitions and programs catering to diverse local and global audiences during the onset of the global pandemic.Navigated the organization through leadership changes and the introduction of new strategic priorities at Michigan State University.Assumed role as Museum Director in July 2021 when Science Gallery became a programmatic division of the Michigan State University Museum due to restructuring.Led the rebranding process of Science Gallery to the MSU Museum's CoLab Studio.Guided CoLab Studio as a dedicated division within the MSU Museum with a focus on innovation and experimentation. Show less

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Provided mentorship and consulting in arts management to over 70 arts and cultural organizations in strategic planning, fundraising, board development, marketing, community engagement, and artistic programming.Conducted monthly consultations for two years with 44 small- to mid-sized arts organizations across multiple cities through Bloomberg Philanthropies' Arts Innovation and Management program.Taught subjects such as community engagement and fundraising in seminars and through… Show more Provided mentorship and consulting in arts management to over 70 arts and cultural organizations in strategic planning, fundraising, board development, marketing, community engagement, and artistic programming.Conducted monthly consultations for two years with 44 small- to mid-sized arts organizations across multiple cities through Bloomberg Philanthropies' Arts Innovation and Management program.Taught subjects such as community engagement and fundraising in seminars and through a global fellowship program.Developed strategic plans for cultural institutions nationwide, contributing to their long-term success.Served in interim leadership roles during periods of transition for a major symphony orchestra (six months) and a major children's chorus (seven months), overseeing day-to-day operations and supporting organizational turnarounds. Show less

Led and inspired staff at AANM to develop and implement strategic plans aligning with the institution's mission, vision, and core values.Assumed leadership following the founding director, providing clear direction and a compelling vision for future growth, advancing the museum's mission nationwide.Developed and managed a comprehensive fundraising plan to ensure financial stability, establishing strong relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and… Show more Led and inspired staff at AANM to develop and implement strategic plans aligning with the institution's mission, vision, and core values.Assumed leadership following the founding director, providing clear direction and a compelling vision for future growth, advancing the museum's mission nationwide.Developed and managed a comprehensive fundraising plan to ensure financial stability, establishing strong relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and private donors.Forged strategic alliances and community-based partnerships with local and national museums, cultural institutions, and community organizations in collaboration with the National Advisory Board.Represented AANM as a thought leader, delivering keynote speeches and participating in plenary sessions and panels at national conferences and professional events.Served as a grants review panelist for esteemed national funding agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute for Museum and Library Services.Led AANM to significant milestones such as becoming a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, achieving American Alliance of Museums accreditation, being designated Michigan's sole National Performance Network member, and receiving the international TAKREEM Laureate for Cultural Excellence.Oversaw the physical growth of the museum by creating the Annex, a new community arts space adjacent to the AANM.Established an artist-in-residency program at City Hall Artspace Lofts in Dearborn, MI, enhancing the museum's community engagement and offerings. Show less

Oversaw daily business operations of the museum, ensuring efficient and timely completion of program goals.Coordinated and supervised daily staff activities, conducted performance appraisals, and developed and monitored work plans.Assisted with strategic planning by evaluating organizational needs and developing goals and objectives in collaboration with senior staff.Contributed to the museum's long-term success and sustainability by providing valuable input and… Show more Oversaw daily business operations of the museum, ensuring efficient and timely completion of program goals.Coordinated and supervised daily staff activities, conducted performance appraisals, and developed and monitored work plans.Assisted with strategic planning by evaluating organizational needs and developing goals and objectives in collaboration with senior staff.Contributed to the museum's long-term success and sustainability by providing valuable input and insights.Trained, coached, and mentored staff, actively supporting their professional development and enhancing their skills and expertise.Worked closely with the director and development staff to secure the museum's financial stability by devising and implementing financial strategies and initiatives. Show less

Spearheaded the development of exhibitions and collections during the museum's crucial formative years.Designed and implemented policies and procedures to establish a robust curatorial practice within the museum.Provided strong leadership and guidance to advisory teams, engaging community stakeholders in the collection building process.Collaborated closely with contracted designers and fabricators to create impactful exhibitions that resonated with the audience.

Ms, Historic Preservation Planning

Activities and Societies: Sigma Pi Kappa, International Honor Society 2004-05 Preservation Eastern, Director (Graduate student.

Ba, Psychology

Additional Coursework In Art History And Studio Art