The Board of Trustees of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of accomplished museum professional and leader Angie Dodson as MMFA’s new Director. She begins her new role officially on October 1, 2018. 

“We are excited and looking forward to having Angie Dodson lead our museum,” said Leslie Sanders, president of MMFA’s Board and Chairperson of the Search Committee. “After completing an extensive national search, it was clear that Dodson’s ever-broadening background and the passion and commitment she brings to her work made her the ideal choice for this position. We truly believe she will lead this organization to a whole new level of excellence and service to our community.” 

Dodson will manage the Museum and oversee all activities related to collections, exhibitions, programs, education, special events, and fundraising. Her responsibilities will include increasing attendance, deepening public engagement through programs and exhibitions, and strengthening the Museum’s foundation financially and operationally . 

Dodson spent the past 19 years of her career at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, Washington, DC, where she has served as the Director of Learning & Engagement, Director of Interpretation & Visitor Services, and COO. Hillwood was the estate of the late Marjorie Merriweather Post and includes multiple structures, a major art collection, and extensive gardens and grounds.
 
The selection of Dodson to head the Museum is the culmination of a nearly yearlong search involving the review of dozens of candidates. Mayor Todd Strange met Ms. Dodson in the review process and stated his belief that “She will bring a strong leadership to the MMFA. She has a strong executive presence, an impressive depth of experience in building and diversifying audiences, and a solid record of developing programs that provide meaningful enrichment and engagement for families.” 

Ed Bridges, Interim Director of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, noted as well that “Dodson is just a wonderful person. I believe the people of Montgomery will take to her as quickly as the staff of the Museum did.” 

This could be considered a homecoming for Dodson. She began her museum career in the capital city. From 1991 to 1994, Dodson served as the assistant curator of education for adult programs here at the MMFA. 

Dodson earned her undergraduate degree in Art History from the University of Florida. She also has a Master of Arts in Teaching in Museum Education from The George Washington University. 
“The MMFA was my first museum home. It’s there that I learned the power of collaborative work, intellectual play, and creativity–experiences that have served me well throughout my career. I am delighted to return to Montgomery and to service at the Museum,” Dodson said. 

The public is invited to meet Dodson on September 30, 2018, Noon to 3 PM, at the opening of the beautiful sculpture garden and education courtyard. The event features a special garden-themed Family Art Affair. This docent-led program is complemented by Jazz Jams in the garden; both are free and open to the public. 

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, a department of the City of Montgomery, is supported by funds from the City of Montgomery, with support from the Montgomery County Commission, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Association. Programs are made possible, in part, by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.