MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION
24 Calvin Street
London
E1 6NW
ELECTION OF BOARD 2011
CANDIDATES’ PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHIES
AND PERSONAL STATEMENTS
There are 7 vacancies on the Museums Association’s Board. The term of office is
three years, commencing the 1st April 2011.
The following candidates are nominated for election and are listed in alphabetical
order.
ANDERSON, David
Director-General, Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Richard Sandell
Rachael Rogers
Professional Biography
I was born in Belfast. After teaching for 3 years, I became Education Officer in
Brighton, then Head of Education at the National Maritime Museum, before moving
to the V&A, where I became Director of Learning and Interpretation. I was appointed
Director General of National Museum Wales in 2010.
The most rewarding experiences of my career so far include: the education
programme for the Armada exhibition (1988), for which I wrote a bestselling
children's book; writing A Common Wealth: Museums in the Learning Age for DCMS
(1997/1999); and development of the Sackler Centre for arts education at the V&A
(opened 2008).
Personal Statement
This is a decisive moment in the development of museums.
The last decade has seen unprecedented investment in the public dimension of
museums - including education, access, outreach, community work. The abolition of
MLA, drastic funding cuts, and radical changes to the structure of the sector are
threatening these services, with local museums suffering most.
We need the Museums Association more than ever. It is the only sector-wide
organisation with a democratic mandate; it alone can campaign with credibility on
behalf of the whole profession. If elected, I would strongly support the MA, and its
work on behalf of us all.
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BARNES, Janet
Chief Executive Officer, York Museums Trust
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Michael Turnpenny
Rosy Greenlees
Professional Biography
I am CEO of York Museums Trust, an independent charitable trust created in 2002,
to manage Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery, Museum Gardens
and York St Mary's. Previously I was Director of the Crafts Council and worked in
Sheffield Museums and Galleries where I was Keeper of the award winning Ruskin
Gallery. I received honorary doctorates from both Universities in Sheffield. I am
Chair of Arts Council Yorkshire and sit on the National Council. I am a Director of the
Guild of St George, the educational charity founded by John Ruskin, which instigated
the very successful Big Draw event.
Personal Statement
I have had over 30 years experience in museums including the local authority,
university and independent charity sectors. I see the present changes to funding
from MLA to the Arts Council, as an opportunity to unify the values and purposes of
the whole cultural sector. I have had first hand experience of the development of the
strategic policies of the Arts Council and as CEO of York Museums Trust I have
direct professional knowledge of the sectors needs and ambitions. I have extensive
experience as a trustee in managing charitable organisations at both a regional and
national level.
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BELL, Ged
Chair, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Iain Watson
Miriam Harte
Professional Biography
As Chair of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Joint Committee since 2005 I have
developed a broad understanding of issues facing UK museums and galleries. I have
been employed in the public sector for the last 26 years as a firefighter and a Labour
Councillor in Newcastle for 14 years. I am particularly engaged in the Cultural,
Sporting and Tourism sectors, as a Cabinet member and a member of national and
regional bodies. I have been actively involved with the MA since 2005, as a Member
of the Governing Bodies Forum and, since 2008, a member of Council and
Executive.
Personal Statement
Unprecedented change in museum sector:
As a result of the global economic crisis, the coalition government’s CSR and the
abolition of MLA, there is an unprecedented challenge to museums and an
unprecedented opportunity for them to demonstrate their value.
Whilst many independent museums receive little or no public investment our major
national and regional museums depend upon public sector investment. I believe that
we must continue to focus on the difference that museums make in people’s lives
irrespective of background, class or ability and the opportunities they create for
access, inclusion and engagement.
In unity. One organisation, one voice.
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BODEN, Tom
Education and Audience Development Officer, Bath Preservation Trust
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Matthew Williams
Stuart Burroughs
Professional Biography
2001-2006 Education volunteer at Oxford University museums
2006
Three week voluntary placement at Tairawhiti Museum, Gisborne, New
Zealand.
2006-2008 Education and Development Officer at the Museum of East Asian Art,
Bath
2007
Developed education resource packs for national festival ‘CHINA
NOW’
2007-2010 Representative for Bath and North-East Somerset on the board of the
South Western Federation of Museums and Art Galleries
2008
Evaluated regional touring exhibition ‘Nature Collected’
2008Education and Audience Development Officer, Bath Preservation Trust
present
The Trust runs three accredited museums and has 150+ volunteers:
No. 1 Royal Crescent, Building of Bath Collection and Beckford’s
Tower
Personal Statement
As board member for the MA, I will champion the contribution made by smaller
museums to the communities they serve. My professional experience has been in
small independent museums that rely on tiny budgets, continuous fundraising and
the support of large numbers of volunteers to keep going. Yet despite the apparent
lack of resources, small museums can thrive and make a huge contribution to
society. I put myself forward in order to give a voice to small museums at a national
level and to ensure that they are not forgotten at a time when support for museums
is under threat.
5
BROWN, Rowan
Director, Scottish Mining Museum
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Jilly Burns
Gillian Findlay
Professional Biography
Qualifications
MA Art History, University of St. Andrews
PG Dip Museum Studies, University of Leicester
AMA, Museums Association
Posts
2002-2004 Research Assistant, Kelvingrove New Century Project
2004-2006 Curator of Transport & Technology, Glasgow Museums
2006-2008 Curator of Technology, National Museums Scotland
2006-2010 Curatorial Advisor, Scottish Railway Preservation Society
2008-2010 Senior Curator of Technology, National Museums Scotland
2010-present Director, Scottish Mining Museum
Memberships:
Museums Association
The Scottish Museums Federation, SMF (President)
The Federation of Industrial Museums (Chair)
The International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage
The Association of Independent Museums
The Scottish Transport and Industry Collections and Knowledge Network
Personal Statement
I am a passionate museum professional with experience of local authority, national
and independent structures. I am committed to the public accessibility and social
benefit of museums, as demonstrated by my work on Effective Collections. Through
SMF, I have strived to achieve greater advocacy and facilitate CPD. I want to ensure
that all those who work in museums have a voice. I have diverse fund-raising and
budgetary experience with at track record of eliciting private sector support. I would
welcome the opportunity to utilise my experience to help to maintain and improve the
impact and relevancy of the Museums Association.
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CAREY, Frances
Freelance Consultant
Proposed by:
Seconded:
Alec Coles
Sandy Nairne
Professional Biography
I joined the British Museum in 1975 to develop a collection of modern graphic art. As
Head of National Programmes from 2003-9 and Senior Consultant for Public
Engagement since May 2009, I have worked with museums up and down the
country brokering partnerships and delivering collaborative projects, ensuring that
the ‘Nations and Regions’ were represented in a ‘A History of the World’.
I have advised Esmée Fairbairn on its Museum and Heritage Funding strand, taught
on an MA programme for King’s College London and chair an arts charity, the MarieLouise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust.
Personal Statement
At a time when the Museums Association’s role is more important than ever, I wish
to contribute the unique experience gained in partnering museums up and down the
UK, including brokering relationships with the BBC as part of A History of the World.
That was motivated by my desire to bind museums of every variety together, to
demonstrate:
 the power of objects to engage public interest
 the interconnections between local and global history
 the value of a nationwide campaign which empowers local ownership
It is also my motivation for wishing to join the MA Board.
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CHURCHER, Isabel
Project Manager: Renaissance, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Kathy Gee
Nick Winterbotham
Professional Biography
I have worked in museums for 25 years in a wide variety of roles. From an Assistant
Curator/Manager to Museum Development Officer, Head of Museums and Heritage
Services, and currently Renaissance Project Manager (MLA). Whilst at Hereford, my
service won the Gulbenkian Award for Services for People with Disabilities following
a radical redisplay.
I have been elected onto Council twice and am currently co-opted onto the Executive
Committee. I have an AMA and FMA, am a mentor and AMA/FMA
reviewer/appraiser.
I focus on providing a practical vision to challenging situations, using my diplomatic
and creative skills to reach effective solutions.
Personal Statement
I am passionately committed to supporting the MA to become an influential,
supportive and financially resilient organisation. I have demonstrated long-term
involvement with the MA, through Council, Executive, and CPD work.
I bring a strong drive, creativity, diplomacy and a can-do attitude to my roles. I have
additional significant Board experience through 6 years as a Trustee (and Vice
Chair) of Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau. With five other trustees, I took the
organisation out of administration to providing a strong resource for the city.
I bring specialist knowledge, skills and experience in development, financial
management, CPD and organisational change.
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COCKETT, Rachel
Renaissance West Midlands Manager, Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Simon Cane
Jane Arthur
Professional Biography
I have worked for Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Ikon Gallery, Public Monuments &
Sculpture Association, MLA West Midlands. Since 2000 I have worked at
Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery.
I am the Renaissance West Midlands Manager. I am responsible for monitoring
finance and performance; delivering communications and advocacy; and developing
and maintaining regional networks.
I have sat on the MLA West Midlands Board and several MA committees/ panels. I
am currently a member of the MA Council and Ethics Committee; a Committee
Member of the Midlands Federation of Museums & Galleries; a Curatorial Adviser
and an AMA mentor.
Personal Statement
I am a museum customer before I am a museum employee. I visit museums,
galleries, exhibitions, historic houses and gardens regularly. I believe that to deliver
world quality museums we need to be discerning customers ourselves.
I believe that MA should continue its commitment to advocacy, collections and
professional development, acting as an independent voice for the sector.
MA Councillors need to think strategically and imaginatively, and advocate for
museums wherever they get the chance. My biography demonstrates that I have the
experience and commitment to continue to contribute to the future of the MA as a
trustee.
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COLLIER, Shirley
Chief Executive Officer, Scarborough Museums Trust
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Steven Miller
Isabel Wilson
Professional Biography
I have 18 years’ experience of working in collections management, staff and
organisational development in large national and small independent museums, in
London and the regions. In recent years, as well as leading Scarborough Museums
Trust through a period of transition and consolidation, I have served on the board of
the Ragged School Museum, and become a national correspondent for the
European Museum of the Year Award. I have served on the MLA Accreditation
Panel and recently shaped the new standard’s workforce development section to
truly reflect and support the complexity of the museum workforce of the future.
Personal statement
These are challenging times for hybrid organisations such as museums, with our
plethora of organisational types, our abundance of purpose and our (largely) nonstatutory status. As the MA works to become a more effective advocate in the
rapidly changing landscape I will contribute clarity of thinking and communication,
underpinned by a strong track record in establishing relationships with a wide range
of partners. As someone engaged very much at the coalface, I will ensure that the
support offered to members, both organisations and individuals, remains relevant.
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EMERSON, Louise
Head of Commercial Strategy, Natural History Museum
Proposed by:
Seconded by:
Paul Davis
Wanda Sheridan
Professional Biography
Originally an Electronics Engineer I achieved an MBA in 1990 and I have worked in
the cultural sector for the past 14 years. I was Director of a multi-disciplinary arts
centre and contemporary art gallery in Belfast. I oversaw funding, financial
management, communications and operations as well as the artistic programme and
started the Belfast Literary Festival. I was subsequently MD of London Calling before
becoming Head of Commercial Strategy at the Natural History Museum where I am
responsible for increasing profit from our assets. I have spoken at a number of
conferences worldwide and led negotiations with major corporations.
Personal Statement
I have strong business acumen and financial management skill and years of
strategic planning experience and implementation. I am incisive, good at complex
decision making and problem solving as well as managing conflicting priorities. I
have managed change within large and small cultural organisations and understand
the complexities. I am also a pragmatic energetic person who can develop ideas to
support the organisation’s goals.
I was previously a Board member of the Arts Council NI and I am a practiced Chair
person.
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FINCH, Julie
Head of Museums and Archives, Bristol
Proposed by:
Seconded by:
Diane Lees
Virginia Tandy
Professional Biography
I began my career in museums as a volunteer thirteen years ago. Having worked
across many disciplines, I have found this experience useful in my current role as
Head of Museums and Archives for Bristol. Formerly Director of the National
Football Museum and Head of Salford Heritage Services, I have gained many
insights into the power of collections and the profession. My professional values are
based around nurturing new talent and delivering excellence. Working at a strategic
and political level is valuable whilst simultaneously finding new ways of engaging
visitors with collections and museum experiences.
Personal Statement
As a trustee of the Museums Association I am keen to work strategically to reposition
it within a contemporary perspective. In a measured and progressive way, I can
offer it and its members strategic thinking, a broader perspective on its activities,
contribute to the shaping of its future and enabling excellence. The demands of the
new political environment require that it appoints practitioners as trustees to become
well informed and more relevant. My managerial and leadership skills will be useful
to it in establishing a more resonant, rigorous and meaningful position within the
changing landscape of the sector and the UK.
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FLEMING, David
Director, National Museums Liverpool
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Sharon Granville
Catriona West
Professional Biography
I have been a museum director for 20 years, have had 18 years’ experience
of working in local authority museums (Leeds, Hull, Tyne & Wear) and ten
years in a national museum (Liverpool). I also have experience of
independent and university museums, and of trusteeship. I have served on
MA Council in the past (1990-3 and 1998-2004), and have been a member of
three Federations. I have built a career on opening up access to museums, on
promoting socially inclusive approaches, and on managing the external
environment, without which no museum can prosper.
Personal statement
Since the absorption of MLA into ACE, our sector has a leadership crisis, at a
time when our access agenda is threatened. Having a smaller MA Board is
perfect timing, because it means the MA can fill the leadership void, and be
the voice that politicians listen to. The Board needs experience,
determination, and courage, needs to be more outspoken, and needs people
involved who have commitment to the whole museum sector, not just a part of
it. If elected to the Board I shall support MA staff and Board colleagues in
filling the leadership role that is needed so desperately.
13
FRENCH, Ylva
Writer and Marketing Consultant
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Rosemary Ewles
James Bishop
Professional Biography
I started my career in tourism, including ten years at the London Tourist Board as
Head of PR. In 1988 I set up my own marketing communications company
specialising in museums, heritage and tourism; from 1997 I also ran the Campaign
for Museums, a registered charity, organising Museums & Galleries Month,
conferences and events. I served as a Royal Parks Board Member 2000-5; I am
now a trustee of Culture24 and of the Museum Prize Trust responsible for the
successful Art Fund Prize. With Sue Runyard I have written two books on museum
marketing, the latest to be published this spring.
Personal Statement
Today the Museums Association’s role is more important than ever. I believe I can
make a significant contribution to its continued success, based on my experience in
marketing and PR, and as trustee of enterprising heritage and cultural organisations.
I know UK’s museums well through years of organising Museums and Galleries
Month and as a marketing consultant. I launched the original 24 Hour Museum
website and have continued my involvement with the web and new media as a
trustee of Culture24. As an informed and independent partner in the sector, I
bring perspective and expertise - invaluable to the new Board.
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GILLETT, Steph
Museum Manager, West Berkshire Council
Proposed by:
Seconded by:
Tim Bryan
Emma Davison
Professional Biography
My first museum post was with South Gloucestershire Council where I established
the heritage service having been a community development worker; I completed a
postgraduate degree at the Ironbridge Institute in 1999.
I was then head of the Science Museum’s Wroughton site increasing public access. I
worked (2003/8) as a freelance consultant for some 30 clients, also acting as MDO
and curatorial advisor for Gloucestershire County Council.
I was a long serving committee member of the South West Federation of Museums.
As manager of West Berkshire Museum I lead a £2 million refurbishment project and
have recruited over 40 volunteers.
Personal Statement
I want to use my skills and experience to benefit the sector that I have worked in for
fifteen years.
I believe that museums must:
 develop the art of compromise to get the best out of whatever local or national
situation prevails
 not be afraid to be creative (and at times radical) to identify and exploit
opportunities for development
 establish partnerships at all levels, including links with those outside the cultural
sector
In promoting the above the Museums Association needs to recognise the diversity of
the sector and the social, political and economic environments it works in.
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MACDONALD, Sally
Director, University College London Museums and Collections
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Sue Wilkinson
Kate Arnold-Forster
Professional Biography
For the last four years I’ve worked as Director of Museums, Collections and Public
Engagement at UCL. Prior to that I’ve led award-winning museums of social and
community history (Croydon Museum Service) and archaeology (Petrie Museum),
though I started my career curating decorative arts collections (e.g. Geffrye
Museum). I’ve worked at senior level in both the local authority and the university
museum sectors, and have served on expert panels (e.g. HLF) and committees (e.g.
DCMS Human Remains). I’m currently an Executive Committee member for the MA,
a committee member of the University Museums Group and the Women’s
Leadership Network.
Personal Statement
I’ve had to learn the hard way how to manage organisations during tough financial
times, and can bring advocacy skills, HR and fundraising experience (during my time
at UCL I’ve raised well over £15m in external funding). I’m passionate about the
power of museums to change lives and am currently setting up Heritage without
Borders, an organisation that will offer heritage professionals opportunities to use
their skills in the developing world. I’ve helped draft the new MA business plan, and
I’m sure that the renewed focus on members’ needs, and on advocacy, is the way
forward.
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MULLINS, Sam
Director, London Transport Museum
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Michael Day
Matthew Tanner
Professional Biography
Director of London Transport Museum since 1994, vice chairman of AIM, previously
Chairman and Secretary.
At LTM responsible for two major developments, Museum Depot, first publicly
accessible collections facility at Acton opened 1999, and £22m award-winning
redevelopment of main museum in Covent Garden, opened 2007. Led Museum’s
move to charity status 2008.
Previously responsible for local authority museums in St.Albans, Market Harborough
and Much Wenlock. Trustee of Museum Prize Trust and SS Robin, past editor of
SHCG Journal, past chair of Hertfordshire Curators Group, MA membership since
1978.
Member of the MA Governance working party 2009/10, AMA mentor
Personal statement
At a significant moment in the MA’s development, I offer members an experienced
but fresh approach to the challenge of a new board, having:

recently created new board for LTM and negotiated the agreement to devolve
from parent company TfL

never before served on Council but serving as an officer of the other museum
membership organisation, AIM, since 1996, balancing advocacy and services
to members.

worked in a variety of museums in London and the regions

a keen awareness that the passion and creativity of museum workers
deserves advocacy and demands support from its professional body
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ORNA-ORNSTEIN, John
Head of London and National Programmes, British Museum
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Rita McLean
Sandy Nairne
Professional Biography
I lead the British Museum’s activity around the UK, with a focus on partnerships with
museums and galleries. I am also responsible for the BM’s community partnerships
and diversity and equality work. I previously worked in the International Development
sector for three years, and before that in the museum sector for more than a decade,
always with a concern for education and for engaging diverse audiences. My
museum roles have included curatorial ones as well as running learning and
community programmes.
Personal statement
I am passionate about the variety, strength and imagination of our sector. My
experience and relationships with dozens of museums throughout the UK puts me in
a good position to champion museums of all sizes and types. I care about equal
partnerships, about integrating national museums into the wider museum sector, and
about ensuring the widest possible access to collections and expertise for museums
and diverse visitors.
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PORTER, Gaby
Independent consultant
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Nichola Johnson
Sam Mullins
Professional biography
As an independent consultant, I work with a wide range of people and organisations
in museums, arts and heritage. I work with partnerships, organisations, teams and
individuals to clarify their vision and values; generate new thinking and opportunities,
and translate these into practical actions.
I am Co-Director of the Museum Leaders Programme; External Examiner for City
University’s Cultural Leadership Programme; and an FMA Appraiser. I am trustee of
a local sustainability charity, and a steering group member for Manchester’s climate
change action plan.
I formerly worked in local authority, national and independent museums in
collections/interpretation and in senior management.
Personal statement
If elected, I would bring independent thinking, integrity and rigorous scrutiny. I would
both passionately represent and be an advocate for the Association and sector, and
dispassionately balance external agendas and priorities with internal resources and
needs.
My specific expertise lies in workforce development, policy development and
advocacy, and sharing collections knowledge. In addition, I have broad museum and
heritage experience encompassing public participation, audience engagement,
interpretation and learning.
I would also contribute to strategic planning and direction, helping the MA to achieve
its business plan while continuing to exercise leadership to broaden and seek the
best for the profession.
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WALLIS, Jonathan
Assistant Head of Museums, Derby Museums and Art Gallery
Nominated by:
Seconded by:
Ros Westwood
Sarah Levitt
Professional Biography
I have been interested in archaeology and heritage since school. During my working
life I have gained a wide experience of museums locally, regionally and nationally.
This has included workforce development, learning, outreach and access,
management, financial planning, fund-raising, collections management and museum
operations.
My work has included being:
 Conservator, UCL, London; the Ashmolean, Oxford; and Oxfordshire
Museums;
 Collections manager, Museum in the Park, Stroud;
 Assistant head of museums, Derby Museums and Art Gallery;
 Involved in charitable and museums sector organisations including UKIC, the
Museums Association, the Midlands Federation and Just for Dogs rescue and
rehoming centre.
Personal Statement
Over the last few years I have been closely involved with and gained a good working
knowledge of the Museums Association, as East Midlands councillor, a member of
the executive committee, part of the business planning working group, the Museum
Journal editorial panel and the Effective Collections grants panel. My knowledge of
museums and heritage as well as my ability and experience in public speaking,
writing and broadcasting give me many of the requirements needed by a board
member.
I am passionate about museums and feel that I have much to give the Museums
Association as we face the challenges ahead.
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