SAN JOSE, CA.- The San José Museum of Art has appointed Melanie Samay as director of marketing and communications. Samay comes from The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) where she was the interim director of marketing and communications and oversaw The CJM’s marketing team, public relations strategy, and advertising campaigns. During her nine years at The CJM, Samay helped build community partnerships, refined the museum’s voice across platforms, and developed and implemented external communication strategies. Samay began her role at SJMA on July 16.

“Melanie is perfect for SJMA,” said S. Sayre Batton, Oshman Executive Director at SJMA. “What drew us to Melanie was how she strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, both cross-departmentally and externally. Perhaps one of her most important works was founding the Museums with Pride contingency that has marched annually at the San Francisco Pride Parade since 2012.”

“San José Museum of Art’s dedication to connecting art and life, working across cultural boundaries, and promoting a deeper awareness and enjoyment of art is something I look forward to championing,” said Samay. “The Museum’s upcoming fiftieth anniversary and corresponding innovative exhibitions and publication will spark impactful conversations and provide new learning opportunities for audiences of all ages. I feel fortunate to join the staff at such a pivotal moment at SJMA.”

Samay attended Fordham University, Rose Hill, in New York, where she received her BA in literature with a minor in philosophy. She went on to earn her MA in literature from San Francisco State University.

Samay succeeds outgoing director of marketing Sherrill Ingalls, who is relocating to Southern California in August.