Crystal Bridges Museum names Susan Peacock as chief impact officer

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary in Bentonville announced Monday (July 29) the appointment of Susan Peacock as chief impact officer.

With Crystal Bridges set to unveil a substantial expansion in 2026, establishing the chief impact officer role signals an effort to strengthen the institution’s reach in Arkansas, nationally, and globally, the museum said in a press release.

Peacock’s role will focus on strategic partnerships, key initiatives, revenue generation and mission-aligned collaborations. She will join the executive council, leading the development and membership teams.

Peacock recently worked as vice president of Crystal Bridges Museum board chair Olivia Walton’s company, Ingeborg, where she led external relations, public policy, business engagement and philanthropic initiatives, including those connected with Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.

“As Crystal Bridges and the Momentary continue to grow, it is vital for our work to remain aligned with our mission, vision, and values in new and innovative ways. Creating the new role of Chief Impact Officer will do just that,” said Rod Bigelow, executive director and chief diversity and inclusion officer for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary.

“Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience to Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. Her expertise in public policy, business engagement, and philanthropic initiatives is unmatched,” he added.

Peacock begins her new role at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary on Aug. 12.

“Crystal Bridges is more than a museum; it serves as a platform for important, inclusive conversations and a catalyst for positive change in our state, region and world,” said Peacock. “I am honored to join the dynamic and well-respected team at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary and excited to play a pivotal role in advancing the museum’s mission and building upon its robust partnerships.”

Peacock brings more than two decades of experience, spanning donor and government relations, fundraising and communications. She has received presidential and gubernatorial appointments.

She also holds executive board positions with the Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas, supporting one of the largest health systems in the U.S., and Heartland Action, which focuses on improving internet access and adoption across multiple states.

Crystal Bridges opened in November 2011 and has had more than 11 million visitors, with no admission cost. In April 2021, Crystal Bridges announced plans to add nearly 100,000 square feet to the 200,000-square-foot museum. The ongoing expansion will increase its size by 50% and allow it to showcase its growing collection of 3,500 objects. The Momentary is the performance art venue for the museum.