Crystal Bridges names 3 to executive leadership jobs

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary announced Wednesday (June 24) the appointment of Courtenay Finn as chief curator, Ryan Owen as chief development officer, and Shayne Hart as chief communications and marketing officer.

According to a news release, these leaders will help to shape the museum’s next chapter following Crystal Bridges’ recent 114,000-square-foot expansion. They have the experience and vision needed to deepen artistic programs, expand philanthropic support, and elevate the institution’s voice and reach.

The three new leaders will join the executive council, with Finn reporting to Austen Bailly, deputy director, curatorial affairs; Owen reporting to Jill Wagar, director of the Momentary and senior director, Crystal Bridges; and Hart reporting to Executive Director Rod Bigelow.

“We are delighted to welcome Courtenay, Ryan, and Shayne to our executive leadership team at such a transformative moment for the institution,” Bigelow said. “Each brings a distinct perspective, deep expertise, and a shared commitment to our mission. Together, they will help guide Crystal Bridges and the Momentary into this next phase of growth and impact. I look forward to the leadership, creativity, and vision they will bring as we continue to expand our reach and serve our community in meaningful ways.”

Finn starts Aug. 24 and will lead the curatorial team in collection development and exhibitions, artist and audience engagement across the museum and its 134-acre campus, and art activation at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary and beyond. Finn comes to Arkansas from the Orange County Museum of Art, where in her role as chief curator and director of programs, she partnered with former CEO and Director Heidi Zuckerman to open the museum’s new Morphosis-designed building and built a program that expanded attendance by more than 200%, including a significant number of first-time museum visitors and newcomers to contemporary art.

Finn led the development of the museum’s collection and exhibition program, securing more than 100 new acquisitions. Before joining Orange County Museum of Art, Finn was chief curator at moCa Cleveland, senior curator at the Aspen Art Museum and curator at Art in General in New York.

Owen started leading strategic fundraising initiatives at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary on June 15. Owen is a global philanthropy and impact leader with nearly two decades of experience in fundraising.

Hart has been leading the brand, marketing, and communications team since his appointment in February. This multidisciplinary group oversees the integration of brand strategy, communication, creative direction, and marketing for Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.

Hart has more than 25 years of experience, working across every facet of brand strategy, creative leadership, design, and marketing, spanning startups to large companies. He’s worked to launch independent ventures and served in executive leadership positions at multi-billion-dollar organizations. He has also served as an adviser to artists, nonprofit organizations and cultural foundations.

He has worked with Procter & Gamble, Walmart, Walton Family Foundation, Tyson Family Foundation, Mattel, Everytown for Gun Safety, American Eagle/Aerie, Stila, Sunflower Children Foundation, Gap Inc., Hot Topic, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works and L Brands Inc.