Crystal Bridges Museum adds staff, tweaks advancement division

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art recently revamped its advancement division, adding staff and creating a new chief strategy officer position as the Bentonville-based museum approaches its fourth anniversary.

Jill Wagar, former director of advancement, was appointed chief strategy officer. In this new role, Wagar’s primary emphasis will be streamlining strategic projects and working with national and international supporters to make transformational gifts to the museum. Wagar will continue to oversee the museum’s advancement division, guiding the direction of development, membership, and guest services, to ensure positive relations with supporters and guests. 

“As the museum nears its four-year anniversary, we continue to pursue ways to ensure we’re strategic, productive, and efficient,” Executive Director Rod Bigelow said in a statement. “Jill’s experience connecting members, sponsors, and donors to the museum’s mission and her proven leadership uniquely positions her to take on the role of chief strategy officer. Her insight and vision in this new role will contribute to the sustained growth of the institution, furthering our strategic initiatives.”

Also new to Crystal Bridges is Kelly Zega, who recently became director of development  for the museum. Zega will work with staff and board leadership to secure philanthropic support for the museum as well as provide strategic and operational management. Before joining Crystal Bridges, Zega worked in public affairs for Cox Communications as well as Tyson Foods and the University of Arkansas. 

Megan Martin is now the director of advancement operations at Crystal Bridges. In this role she oversees membership, guest services, and advancement services. Martin’s background includes work with non-profits such as the American Cancer Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation where she held manager roles in both organizations.