The Hickory Museum of Art Board of Trustees announced today that Clarissa Starnes has been appointed Executive Director.  Clarissa has served as Associate Director for the last six years and worked in multiple other capacities for the four years prior to her most recent position at the Museum.

"I am honored and thrilled to be selected as the new executive director", said Mrs. Starnes.   “I am passionate about HMA and look forward to continuing to provide exhibits and programs that will engage the community and show how impactful art can be on their lives.”

A search committee appointed by the Board worked with a recruiter to identify candidates across a wide geographic area.   "There were a number of qualified candidates", said Hickory Museum of Art Board President Jeff Behmer. "After interviewing multiple candidates the opinion was unanimous that the best candidate was already at the Museum.  We are very pleased to announce Clarissa as the next leader of HMA." 

Mr. Carfagno, the previous Executive Director of HMA, had accepted a position in Mobile, Alabama, as the Executive Director of Mobile Museum of Art (MMofA). His effective last day at HMA was January 14, 2023. He had been with Hickory Museum of Art’s since April 2017 as its fifth Executive Director .

Here’s an earlier post about Clarissa. with lots of pictures.