Arts Administration and Museum Leadership

Responsible for unlocking the extraordinary potential of the oldest natural history museum in the Americas through the steady nurturing of an inclusive and innovative staff culture; the strengthening of its governance through a diverse board; the support and growth of its world-renowned science enterprise; the care of its world-class specimen collections, library, and archives; the pioneering of participatory academic research; the reimagination of community learning programs; the creation of… Show more Responsible for unlocking the extraordinary potential of the oldest natural history museum in the Americas through the steady nurturing of an inclusive and innovative staff culture; the strengthening of its governance through a diverse board; the support and growth of its world-renowned science enterprise; the care of its world-class specimen collections, library, and archives; the pioneering of participatory academic research; the reimagination of community learning programs; the creation of issues-based, future-facing, and impact-focused exhibitions; the renovation of its signature galleries, laboratories, and collections spaces; and its fundamental repositioning as not only a best-in-class university museum but also a deeply inclusive cultural institution that is of, by and for all of the city it serves. Show less

Responsible for developing the Museum’s collections and knowledge resources including collection management, conservation, registration, curatorial, and academic relations. Additional responsibilities included the delivery of leading-edge learning, dynamic public programs, and an exceptional visitor experience as well as the design, production, and presentation of exhibitions that were as engaging as they were impactful as they were innovative. Select achievements included: launching both the… Show more Responsible for developing the Museum’s collections and knowledge resources including collection management, conservation, registration, curatorial, and academic relations. Additional responsibilities included the delivery of leading-edge learning, dynamic public programs, and an exceptional visitor experience as well as the design, production, and presentation of exhibitions that were as engaging as they were impactful as they were innovative. Select achievements included: launching both the First Nations and Repatriation Program and the Punjabi Canadian Legacy Project; partnering with the University of Victoria and the Japanese Canadian community in the groundbreaking participatory research and public history project - "Landscapes of Injustice"; creating an international traveling exhibitions program; and securing public recognition as the best museum in Canada for two years running. Show less

Director of a group of museums that were created as part of the Qatar Foundation's iconic $5bn Msheireb Downtown Doha regeneration project. Responsible for the conversion of four historic buildings into powerful history museums (including the creation of Bin Jelmood House - the first museum of slavery in the Islamic world) that drew on intangible heritage to present challenging perspectives on sensitive aspects of Qatar's recent past. Oversaw project development, content development… Show more Director of a group of museums that were created as part of the Qatar Foundation's iconic $5bn Msheireb Downtown Doha regeneration project. Responsible for the conversion of four historic buildings into powerful history museums (including the creation of Bin Jelmood House - the first museum of slavery in the Islamic world) that drew on intangible heritage to present challenging perspectives on sensitive aspects of Qatar's recent past. Oversaw project development, content development, interpretive planning, exhibition design, and programming as well as operational set-up including the recruitment and mentoring of an exceptional team comprised predominantly of Qatari nationals. The project required high levels of cultural sensitivity, patience, diplomacy, and understanding as well as relentless energy, but in return was exceptionally rewarding - indeed a privilege - to be part of. Show less

Board member of the UK chapter of the world's leading non-governmental organization dedicated to museums. Joining at a time of change and financial stress, responsibilities included: stabilizing the institution's finances through robust expenditure control and an overhauled system of fiscal management; sustaining ICOM UK's bursary program; and contributing to the institution's turnaround strategy through the provision of governance advice and a sound financial platform.

Founding Chief Executive of the Fulham Palace Trust with responsibility for the adaptive re-use, financial regeneration, and phased restoration of Fulham Palace, London - one of the UK's most important heritage sites. Fundraised and project-managed phased capital works. Created a new contemporary art gallery, destination restaurant, and education facilities. Updated the museum's permanent exhibitions. Adaptively reused redundant space to create commercial offices, established a successful… Show more Founding Chief Executive of the Fulham Palace Trust with responsibility for the adaptive re-use, financial regeneration, and phased restoration of Fulham Palace, London - one of the UK's most important heritage sites. Fundraised and project-managed phased capital works. Created a new contemporary art gallery, destination restaurant, and education facilities. Updated the museum's permanent exhibitions. Adaptively reused redundant space to create commercial offices, established a successful function hire business, and introduced a profitable arts and events program that together resulted in revenue growth of 700% to make the site financially self-sustaining. Restored the historic gardens and introduced an innovative outdoor sculpture program. Grew visitor numbers by 500%. Transferred site to independent governance. Restoration works presented with the prestigious RICS Award for Building Conservation. Show less