Heckscher Museum Names Executive Director, CEO

Heather Arnet has been appointed executive director and CEO of the Heckscher Museum of Art, effective in June.

Robin T. Hadley, chair of the board  of trustees, said, “Heather brings a wealth of leadership experience, innovative thinking, and community engagement to the Museum. We are fortunate to be adding someone of her caliber to The Heckscher Museum.” Arnet will join the Museum in June 2022

Arnet is the CEO of Women and Girls Foundation in Pittsburgh, PA. which focuses on advancing gender equality. Throughout her 18-year tenure, Arnet established youth and adult civic engagement programs, created partnerships with museums and cultural centers, reached diverse communities, and raised significant support.

“The Heckscher Museum was interested in a leader who was community-centered, forward-facing, able to engage diverse audiences, and advance the important work of the Heckscher Museum. Heather fits that profile perfectly,” said Robert Aquilina, trustee and chair of the search committee. Arnet also serves as co-chair of the Council for Feminist Art at the Brooklyn Museum, and has worked  with teams at the Brooklyn Museum, the Frick Pittsburgh, the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, the Carnegie Museums, and the Andy Warhol Museum to develop public programming. Before joining WGF, Arnet was director of development at City Theatre, and a vice president of marketing and brand development for internet-based start-up companies. Early in her career, Arnet worked for five years on the production team for the educational television program “Mister Rogers Neighborhood.”

She  has a B.A. in Literary & Cultural Studies from Carnegie Mellon University and is completing her Master of Liberal Arts in Museum Studies from Harvard University Extension School.

“I am excited for the opportunity to join such a passionate and creative staff and Board of Trustees as we lead The Heckscher Museum of Art into the future,” Arnet said. “I look forward to applying my experience in community development and civic engagement to advancing the Museum’s community-centered efforts, and growing its regional and national significance.”

John E. Coraor, who has served as Interim director for the museum, will continue as a member of the Board of Trustees.

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