MMofA Names New Executive Director

The board of the Mobile Museum of Art (MMofA) announced that, following a yearlong, national search, it has selected Jon Carfagno as its next executive director, effective February 14, 2023. He replaces retiring Director Deborah Velders, who is concluding her 10th year at the museum and will remain in her position until Carfagno assumes the directorship. Carfagno joined the Hickory Museum of Art in Hickory, North Carolina, as executive director in April 2017, where MMofA said he steered the museum’s growth and evolution, implemented its strategic plans and helped the institution exceed its financial and programming goals. He holds an MA in art history from the University of Massachusetts and completed Kendall College of Art and Design’s MBA Certificate Program in design and innovation management. He is skilled in programmatic development, community engagement and strategic thinking. Prior to his directorship at the Hickory Museum of Art, he worked in major positions at the Grand Rapids Art Museum in Michigan; the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston; and the Mead Art Museum at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts.