Melissa Mohr has been appointed as the Figge Art Museum’s new executive director and CEO after a national search, the Davenport museum announced Thursday, Oct. 17.
Ms. Mohr has served the Figge for more than 15 years in the education department and, most recently, as interim executive director. She brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and deep commitment to the arts community, a news release from the Figge said.
Ms. Mohr, who assumed her new role effective Monday, Oct. 14, replaces Michelle Hargrave, who left the downtown riverfront museum last spring to become executive director of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. She had led the Figge for the previous four and a half years.
The Figge said Ms. Mohr’s appointment ends what was a detailed, intensive selection process and solidifies the organization’s leadership for the future.
Ms. Mohr has an M.A. in art history from the University of Iowa and distinguished herself in the museum sector. She has participated as a Museum Leadership Institute NextGen Fellow, which has prepared her to tackle the challenges of museum management with creativity and insight. Her expertise and thought leadership are widely recognized in the museum sector and the Quad Cities community.
“We are thrilled to confirm Melissa Mohr as the Figge’s next executive director and CEO,” Aleeza Singh, the Figge’s board president, said in the release. “Our national search yielded an impressive pool of candidates with diverse talents and skill sets. Melissa’s passion for our museum and her deep-rooted understanding of our history and the broader community gave her the leading edge.”
“She embodies the spirit and dedication that the Figge Art Museum stands for, and her leadership will provide stability, continuity, and a bright future for the museum as we enter our centennial year,” Ms. Singh added.
Ms. Mohr also is known as an invited speaker on various critical topics, including museum best practices and community-focused educational initiatives at conferences organized by the American Alliance of Museums, the National Art Education Association, and other notable institutions. Her commitment to the art community also is seen in her committee work in prominent organizations, including the Iowa Museum Association, the Art Educators of Iowa, and more.
In her new permanent leadership role, Ms. Mohr will oversee the museum’s strategic initiatives, operations, and continued engagement with the Quad Cities community and beyond. Her history of innovative program development and community engagement reflects her deep understanding of the Figge’s mission to bring art and people together, the release said.
“I am incredibly honored to step into the role of executive director and CEO as we approach the Figge’s centennial year,” Ms. Mohr said in the release. “This milestone is a reflection of the museum’s strong foundation in the community, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me to lead us into this exciting new chapter. As we look ahead to celebrating 100 years, I am eager to build on our rich history and drive the museum forward with new ideas, ensuring the Figge remains a vital and welcoming cultural hub for generations to come.”
The public is invited to meet Ms. Mohr at a special Director’s Open House from 5-6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24 in the Figge’s Café.
