Hassan Najjar Appointed Executive Director of the Biggs Museum of American Art

The content of this post comes from a press release from the Biggs Museum of Art...

The Biggs Museum of American Art is proud to announce the appointment of Hassan Najjar as its new Executive Director. With a distinguished career in the arts and museum management, Najjar's leadership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Biggs.

Hassan Najjar, Executive Director of the Biggs Museum.
Photo provided by the Biggs Museum. 

Najjar joins the Biggs from the Foothills Art Center in Golden, Colorado, where he served as Executive Director. His tenure at Foothills was marked by transformative initiatives that enhanced the Center's community engagement, expanded its programs, and significantly increased its funding base. Under Najjar's leadership, Foothills Art Center became a beacon of arts and culture in the region, with notable achievements in community-building efforts, responsive programming, and using arts as driver of economic development.  

"We are thrilled to welcome Hassan Najjar to the Biggs," said Wilma Mishoe, President of the Biggs Museum Board of Trustees. "Hassan's vision, experience, and commitment to the arts are exactly what we need to propel the Biggs into a new era. His proven track record of success, particularly at the Foothills Art Center, demonstrates his ability to lead an institution to new heights, and we are confident that his leadership will bring fresh energy and innovation to our museum."

Hassan Najjar's appointment was the culmination of a competitive nationwide search led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG), engaged by the Biggs Museum Board to recruit the next Executive Director of the Museum. Najjar's deep experience in museum management and museum education, board governance, and financial management, combined with his passion for creating inclusive, equitable, and diverse communities, set him apart as the ideal candidate for the role.

In his role as Executive Director of the Foothills Arts Center, Najjar worked in a public/private partnership to rehabilitate historic landmarks and double the size of the facility, demonstrating that he is well-equipped to lead the Biggs through its expansion, which will connect historic buildings on its campus gifted to the Museum from the State of Delaware.

Jorge Zamanillo, President of the American Alliance of Museums, also expressed his enthusiasm for Najjar's new position. "Hassan Najjar is a respected leader in the museum community, and his appointment as Executive Director of the Biggs Museum is a significant win for both the museum and the broader arts community. His innovative approach and dedication to advancing the arts will undoubtedly benefit the Biggs and its audiences. We look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership in Dover."

Najjar's career in the arts spans several prestigious roles, including Executive Director of the Museum Center at 5ive Points in Cleveland, TN, and Assistant Curator of Education at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, TN. His expertise in curating engaging educational programs, managing diverse teams, and securing significant financial support will be invaluable as he leads the Biggs into its next phase.

"I am deeply honored to join the Biggs Museum of American Art as its next Executive Director," said Najjar. "The Biggs is a remarkable institution with a rich history and an exciting future. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and community to build on the museum's successes and to explore new opportunities for growth and innovation."

Najjar's appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Biggs Museum, as it continues to enhance its role as a cultural leader in Delaware and beyond. His leadership promises to bring new perspectives, dynamic programming, and a renewed commitment to serving the diverse communities of Dover and the surrounding region.

ABOUT THE BIGGS MUSEUM OF ART
The Biggs Museum of American Art is a dynamic, accredited, art museum in Dover, Delaware, founded in 1993 by collector Sewell C. Biggs. The Biggs Museum is nationally recognized for its exceptional collections of American decorative arts of Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region, and for its collections of American art from 1700 to today. The Museum engages audiences through a compelling program of collection based and temporary exhibitions plus encourages the development of creativity and an appreciation for art by offering a comprehensive slate of educational programming for all ages. The Biggs Museum of American Art is a private, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization.

Visit www.thebiggsmuseum.org to learn more.

Pamelyn Manocchio Takes Over to Lead The Grand Opera House

The content of this post comes from a previous press release from The Grand Opera House...

Brian DiSabatino, chairman of The Grand Opera House, announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Pamelyn Manocchio as the performing arts center’s next Executive Director.

“We are delighted that Pam is taking the helm at the beginning of a new, post-COVID era in the life of The Grand and the arts in Wilmington,” said DiSabatino. “As a long-time senior staff leader, she will provide a measure of continuity and institutional familiarity." DiSabatino noted that Manocchio has demonstrated creativity and innovation in her previous role(s) with The Grand, and that they are looking forward to new ideas and new energy from her and the organization as she takes the helm this fall.

After Fields announced his retirement, the Board and its executive committee met promptly to develop a transition plan, and it reached a quick consensus on the best course of action. DiSabatino explained, “the Board felt there was no reason to conduct a search regionally or nationally when it has the talent it needs on staff already.”

“I am thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to take on this leadership role for The Grand,” said Manocchio. “Having worked side by side with both Mark Fields and Steve Bailey over the past 16 years, I feel well-prepared to guide this institution into its next chapter. We have lots of room to grow in our community, and we’ll do so in the most impactful and creative ways imaginable.”

“I’m very excited to continue working with the incredible team that’s in place here. We have an amazing board, dedicated Show Corps, passionate Trustees, and the most talented staff and crew – not to mention our wonderful patrons and donors. It’s going to be a lot of work ahead, and a lot of fun!”

Manocchio first came to The Grand in 2006 as Director of Development and segued into the role of Director of Community Engagement in 2009. In that position, she oversaw all of The Grand’s outreach and education programs with the community, including Stages of Discovery (school matinees), Summer Explorers, and The Grand Galleries (rotating visual art exhibitions). These programs serve more than 30,000 youth and adults annually.

She also launched several impactful new programs including Summer in the Parks, celebrating 10 years of arts programing in partnership with the City of Wilmington, and sensory-friendly performances specifically designed to serve children and adults with autism spectrum disorder. The Sensory Friendly program twice received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as a visit from then-NEA Director Mary Anne Carter in 2019 to learn more about the innovative program.

She was named Managing Director in Fall 2021 when Steve Bailey stepped away from that position.

In addition to Manocchio’s work at The Grand, she has held leadership positions with several arts-related organizations in the state, including the Delaware Arts Alliance, the Arts Consortium of Delaware, and the Arts-Culture-Heritage collective.

Prior to her Grand tenure, Manocchio had worked in development positions for The Curtis Institute of Music, American Symphony Orchestra League, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

Manocchio holds a BM in Music Management from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music. She also trained as a classical flutist, and keeps up her musical side as leader of her church’s bell choir. She lives in North Wilmington with her husband Steve, who also works in the arts, and enjoys an active life with their two teenage children.

For more information about The Grand, visit TheGrandWilmington.org.

Delaware Arts Alliance Names Neil Kirschling Executive Director

The content of this post comes from a Delaware Arts Alliance press release...

The Delaware Arts Alliance (DAA) announced today the selection of Neil Kirschling as its executive director, effective June 27.

Neil Kirschling, new DAA Executive Director

Kirschling most recently was director of policy and advocacy for Rodel, the nonprofit organization that partners with Delawareans and worldwide educational innovators to transform public education in the First State. He succeeds Jessica Ball, who in November 2021 was appointed director of the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA).

“We are confident that Neil is the right person to help the Delaware Arts Alliance continue our mission,” said Molly Giordano, DAA board president.

“Neil’s experience in education and government will be of immeasurable value as we continue our work with DDOA, the General Assembly’s Arts and Culture Caucus, and other stakeholders to promote equitable access to the arts in Delaware, particularly in classrooms,” she continued. “Neil also will guide our statewide cultural recovery and economic growth plan. Our plan is funded by a $1 million grant through Governor Carney’s American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program secured by Jessica Ball during her tenure.”

At Rodel, Kirschling was responsible for strategic planning, policy development, coalition management, program management, and local and national stakeholder engagement. He previously served as a legislative fellow in the Delaware General Assembly; conducted research for the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration; and participated in the Delaware Department of Education’s “Future Education Policy Leaders” program.

Kirschling volunteers as a Governor-appointed commissioner on the Delaware Hispanic Commission, where he leads education and advocacy efforts in support of Hispanic youth and English learner students. He is an advisor for the Delaware Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy board, a volunteer and performer with various local theaters, and a regular patron of arts and culture organizations in the state.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Delaware.  

DAA is the unifying voice for the arts throughout Delaware, advocating for the central role of the arts and arts education in advancing dynamic communities and a creative citizenry. DAA informs, empowers, and mobilizes Delawareans who cultivate, support, and advance the arts