Cascadia Art Museum’s board of directors announced that Leigh Ann Gilmer has been appointed as the museum’ new executive director.

“After a thorough search, Cascadia is happy to welcome Leigh Ann to the museum,” said Museum President Lindsey Echelbarger. “She was selected from a pool of over 50 well-qualified applicants — the large number is in itself a tribute to the credibility that Cascadia has earned over the past three-and-a-half years of operation.”

Echelbarger pointed to Gilmer’s extensive experience in administrative, financial and development areas, having served as chief operating officer at Conservation Northwest and director of advancement at the Museum of Pop Culture.

Cascadia Art Museum has “made great progress in our startup stage and we are confident that Leigh Ann Gilmer will lead us on to even greater achievement in the future,” Echelbarger added.

Gilmer began her career at the Museum of Northern Arizona and has since held leadership roles at the Museum of Glass and Seattle University before her tenure at the Museum of Pop Culture and Conservation Northwest. She is passionate about the role that cultural organizations play in bringing people together and building a strong sense of community.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at Cascadia Art Museum at such a significant time in the history of both the museum and our region,” Gilmer said. “As Washington’s population continues to grow, we have an incredible opportunity to share the vibrant legacy of the artists who made the Northwest a known destination for creativity.

“The museum’s mission to present a holistic view of Northwest art — regularly exhibiting the work of women, artists of color and marginalized communities — is fundamentally important, and I’m eager to help the museum continue to live its promise through accessible original exhibitions, educational programs, and community events,” she added.

“The future of Northwest art begins in the past, and there’s no limit to Cascadia Art Museum’s potential to inspire artists and arts lovers of every age,” Gilmer said.