October 9, 2024

(Wichita, Kans.) – Molly McFerson, an experienced art museum professional and a dedicated museum educator, has been named Director/CEO of Wichita Art Museum (WAM). Throughout her career, McFerson has demonstrated a commitment to museum excellence and the educational programming that benefits communities.

The WAM Board of Trustees initiated a competitive national search with the partnership of Kittleman & Associates, a national executive search firm that specializes in the recruitment of CEOs for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, public charities and philanthropic organizations. A Board-appointed Search Committee conducted a rigorous and in-depth search process that included qualified candidates from across the nation.

“We love Molly’s contagious enthusiasm and curiosity, coupled with her strong academic and museum credentials,” said Lou Heldman, Chair of the WAM Board of Trustees. “Molly first visited WAM as a Derby High student and we’re pleased her path led her back to Wichita.”

McFerson’s promotion follows her role as WAM’s Director of Learning, Engagement and Partnerships which was a new staff position dedicated to the creation of programming, partnerships and interpretation to ensure the Museum is accessible, welcoming and inclusive of all audiences.

In this role, McFerson started the WAM Nights program series with rotating programming every Friday night ranging from artist talks to drop-in artmaking and more. She renovated WAM’s interactive PLAY space for families and visitors of all ages, which is a fun and vibrant drop-in space that includes a Toddler Spot, Book Nook, Art Lab and dynamic activities that support creative play. She also started WAM’s Regional Creatives Exhibition Series, which is dedicated to exhibiting art by local artists, in partnership with Harvester Arts, a local platform for visual arts experimentation that engages the community.

“We are delighted to elevate Molly to this role,” said Mike Michaelis, Member of the WAM Board of Trustees and Search Committee Chair. “Her academic and work history, along with her personality, passion and energy, will suit her well given the opportunities ahead.”

McFerson, who holds a master’s degree in art history from the University of Kansas, has extensive museum experience that includes two Dallas-based institutions, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Museum of Art. At the Nasher, McFerson served K-12 students as a Gallery Teacher, piloting the use of iPads as teaching tools on guided tours. At the Dallas Museum, McFerson successfully led a multi-year program, working with the Dallas Independent School District, to make possible a museum visit for every fourth-grade student in the district, impacting 15,000 students annually. She also was the Gallery Programs for Adults Leader at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, planning, implementing, and evaluating adult and intergenerational programs for one of the most comprehensive and well-known museums in the world.

Prior to joining WAM, McFerson transitioned to teaching and was the Gifted Facilitator at Derby High School in Derby, Kans., serving 100 students annually in grades 9-12 and teaching Advanced Placement courses, including Art History, Psychology, and US Government & Politics.

“I am thrilled to step into this new position and lead WAM in expanding our community’s engagement with the collection and exhibitions,” said McFerson. “I look forward to guiding our amazing team in continuing to strengthen the Museum’s role as a vibrant and vital piece of Wichita’s cultural landscape.”

McFerson will assume her responsibilities as Director/CEO of Wichita Art Museum on October 28, 2024.

“We extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated WAM staff and volunteers as well as all of our donors and supporters, the Friends of the Wichita Art Museum and the City of Wichita,” said TeOndra Phillips, Treasurer of the WAM Board of Trustees and Interim Director/CEO.

Contact: Naama Marcos
Director of Marketing and Communications | marcos@wam.org| 316-268-4985

Wichita Art Museum:
1400 West Museum Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas USA 67203 | 316-268-4921
The Wichita Art Museum connects people, ideas, and art through remarkable experiences.

Kittleman & Associates:
Recruits leaders for the entire nonprofit sector, including museums and historic sites, foundations, public gardens and human services. For more information, visit www.kittlemansearch.com.

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“Molly was born for this job—with her decades of museum experience and her passion for our community, she will usher WAM into an incredible new chapter. She is perfect for our museum at this moment. Her background in museum education and engagement aligns with our mission to make art accessible and relevant to everyone in Wichita. Molly is loved by everyone at WAM, and we are thrilled to see her step into this role.”
— Dr. Tera Lee Hedrick, Curator