Crystal Bridges hires executive chef and membership manager

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has recently hired two new staff members, Emily Ironside and Bill Lyle.

Emily Ironside joined Crystal Bridges’ advancement team on August 1 as the membership program manager. 

At Crystal Bridges, Ironside will oversee all aspects of the museum’s membership program, including recruitment and member services.  

“It’s certain that the museum’s membership program will continue to thrive under Emily’s capable leadership,” said Jill Wagar, Director of Advancement. “Her graceful ability to strategically engage individuals at Crystal Bridges will enrich members’ experiences.”  



No stranger to the arts in Northwest Arkansas, Ironside comes to Crystal Bridges from Walton Arts Center, where she served as the annual giving manager for two years. 

She also worked previously at the University of Arkansas, Wal-Mart, and YMCA and holds a master’s degree in communication from the UA.

Ironside serves on the boards of NWA Mercy Family YMCA, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Life Styles Inc. as a member of the Art Advisory Council.

Bill Lyle also joined Crystal Bridges as the new executive chef of Eleven, the museum restaurant. 

Chef Lyle has been part of the Northwest Arkansas food community in Fayetteville for several years, not only through his work as executive chef at Ella’s Restaurant on the campus of the University of Arkansas.

Lyle also has the annual Winemaker’s Dinner at Walton Arts Center’s Art of Wine Festival and previously served as sous chef at Bordino’s restaurant in downtown Fayetteville.


“Chef Lyle’s dynamic, yet accessible style of cuisine promises to be a perfect fit for Eleven’s mantra of modern American comfort food,” said Crystal Bridges’ Director of Culinary Services Case Dighero.