In an update on its website on Monday, January 13, the Newport Art Museum announced various staffing and structure changes, including the appointment of Ruth Taylor as interim executive director.
Taylor retired as executive director of the Newport Historical Society in 2023, after leading that organization for fifteen years.
Newport Art Museum Organizes for the Next Century
The Newport Art Museum (NAM) announced exciting steps to position itself for a dynamic future. NAM has redefined roles, hired and promoted staff, and adopted an updated strategic plan focused on financial sustainability. In doing so, NAM builds momentum for an artist-driven approach that showcases diverse voices, engages the community, and draws inspiration from the museum’s impressive permanent collection.
“The Newport Art Museum has been a cultural cornerstone in Newport for 113 years, and the current strategic plan ensures we will remain so for the next century,” said Board Chair Ellie Harrison Voorhes. “Our refreshed approach is already yielding exciting results and gives us a clear roadmap for the future.”
A newly established role of artistic director has been filled by Danielle Ogden, who previously served as executive director. Ogden’s practice of integrating the Museum’s collection with the work of contemporary artists and the perspectives of community partners helped define the new focus. Ruth Taylor, an experienced nonprofit director and nonprofit management consultant, will serve as interim executive director while the NAM Board begins the process of identifying a candidate to fill the role permanently.
As artistic director, Ogden continues to enrich the museum’s offerings through exhibitions, programs, and community partnerships. She will manage the program of visiting curators and exhibitions, like the Kelsy Patnaude show curated by Dodie Kazanjian in the fall and January’s upcoming exhibition with Donna Bassin.
Other staff updates include:
- Jeff Foye joined NAM in November as Manager of Collections and Exhibitions. He now maintains physical and intellectual control of the collections in storage and while on display in the Museum’s active exhibition program.
- Susan Doyle as Director of Finance. Sue brings her full career of expertise from the business sector to NAM, and has been essential in assisting to craft a multi-year financial plan, focused on long-term growth
- Susan Hanley as Senior Advisor for Sponsor and Donor Relations. Susan is a seasoned advancement professional who is managing NAM’s sponsorship and major gifts programs
- Elevated roles for Michelle Piscopo as Manager of Membership/Advancement Associate, Emilia Sywolski as Manager of Programs and Audience Engagement, Carley Brockwell as Assistant Manager of the Museum School, and Brandon Taylor Miller, Director of Operations.
NAM begins the new year on a high note, completing a successful Annual Fund campaign which exceeded goals, launching a near sold-out Winter Speaker Series on January 11, and preparing for the new Bassin exhibition with related community programming later in the month. For more information on upcoming events and exhibitions, visit the events and exhibitions pages on the NAM website.
