In March, the Birmingham Museum of Art’s James Milton and Sallie R. Johnson Deputy Director, Meghan Ann Hellenga, completed the highly esteemed Getty Leadership Institute’s NextGen 2018, an executive education program for managers tapped as the next generation of museum leaders. The program featured diverse and impressive representation of professionals from across the museum industry, including top leadership in education, exhibitions, development, planning and administration, and technology.
“The program was challenging, but very rewarding. Participants were stretched to consider not only personal limitations, strengths, and goals, but institutional and field-wide strategies and opportunities,” Hellenga said.
Selection criteria considered candidates’ detailed analysis of the challenges they face in the immediate future; commitment to the museum field; creativity; broad strategic thinking; and the ability to influence policy and affect change at their institutions. The curriculum fosters learning through both theory and practice and aims to enhance museum leadership at the individual, institutional, and societal levels.
“As one of 33 international fellows, I have been introduced to many different approaches and possibilities,” Hellenga said. “I am thankful for the support I received to attend the program and am looking forward to contributing my newly gained perspective during this truly exciting time at the BMA.”