Paula Bacon Williams named Albany Museum of Art executive director

ALBANY — The Albany Museum of Art’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously Thursday to name Paula Bacon Williams the museum’s permanent executive director.

Williams, who served as AMA director 1987-93 and led the museum through its first accreditation, had been the Albany Museum of Art’s interim director since August.

“It is such an honor to lead this fine institution, which offers so much to the community in terms of economic development, tourism and as a source of art education to an area that has very little opportunity to see art in its original form,” Williams said. “I didn’t know when I came back to the museum (as interim director) that I’d eventually become executive director. I just knew I loved the museum.

“I wanted to see where the museum was and where our trustees were before I considered any type of permanent responsibilities. But they’ve definitely proven that they care about making this the best facility it can be. Our art education program has been growing by leaps and bounds, and it feels great to be part of that. This reconnection feels both personal and historical.”

AMA President Kirk Rouse cited Williams’ experience at the museum as a factor in the board’s decision to make her position permanent.

“The museum will benefit from her experience, energy, openness and passion both for art objects and for how people interact with them,” Rouse said. “In the nine-month period that she has been in the interim position, the museum has made major strides: with a sound financial footing, increased membership and an exciting education and exhibition schedule for the upcoming year.

“Paula is a lady of tested ability, sound judgment and keen perception. She will serve well and bring credit to the museum.”

In addition to her work with the Albany Museum of Art, Williams has served as managing editor of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Business magazine, owned a design firm, served as executive director of the Dougherty County Medical Society and, most recently, worked as a corporate communications specialist for Inova, a five-hospital health system in Washington, D.C.

Williams said she’s anxious to begin AMA’s new fiscal year as its executive director.

“We have some really exciting things planned for the year, from education programs to exhibitions,” she said. “This board has a true vision for growth, and I believe our patrons will see a number of things they can get behind at the museum during the coming year.

“This community is so fortunate to have a museum board that recognizes the importance of the arts, and not just at the museum, but at other venues like Thronateeska and the Flint RiverQuarium.”

Williams is married to Dr. Timothy Williams, an anesthesiologist in Albany for almost 30 years. Together they have eight children.

Also at its meeting Thursday, the AMA board re-elected Rouse to a second term as president, named K.K. Snyder vice president, Ripley R. Bell treasurer and Nealy Stapleton secretary. Snyder, who also serves as nominating chair, announced that the museum had elected four new trustees: Michael Mallard, Kelley Brim-Hollowell, Bruce Campbell and Silena Wingfield. At a previous meeting, Alfreda Shepphard, Parker Webb Douglas, Milan Patel and Christie Cannon Cole were also elected to serve on the board.

Founded in 1964, the Albany Museum of Art houses a collection that includes 19th- and 20th-century American and European art, as well as a substantial collection of sub-Saharan African art. The African art includes masks, sculpture, pottery, textiles and musical instruments. The Albany Museum of Art is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is open Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.

For information about the AMA, visit www.albanymuseum.com or call (229) 439-8400.