ROCHSTER, MN.- The board of the Rochester Art Center announced today that Pamela Hugdahl has been named the institution’s new Executive Director. In her role, Hugdahl will be responsible for RAC’s overall management, including personnel, financial development, marketing, and executing the organization’s mission of offering opportunities for all people to understand and value the arts through innovative experiences with contemporary art.

Hugdahl comes from the Port Washington Saukville Arts Council (dba Galley 224) in Port Washington, WI, where she served as the administrative director. Prior to Gallery 224, Hugdahl spent three years as the director of the Cedarburg Art Museum in Cedarburg, WI, where she successfully oversaw the organization’s financial development, increased membership, and managed more than 100 annual public programs.

Hugdahl began her career at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis from 2000-2013, where she learned many aspects of museum operations, including security, exhibition planning, public relations, archiving, and museum registration. She continued to deepen her understanding of arts administration in the Advancement Department at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, WI, where she also served as a docent and volunteered with educational programming.

Hugdahl earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Mills College in Oakland, CA, and a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with certificates in Nonprofit Management and Art Museum Studies. Hugdahl has traveled extensively and was an exchange student in Japan, where she studied ceramics under Shoji Matsumoto in Ishikawa.

"I am delighted to join the talented and passionate staff of the Rochester Art Center, and I look forward to leading the organization with a positive outlook as it enters its 75th year during a time of significant change, both for Rochester and the world at large,” says Hugdahl. “The arts become a crucial outlet and a source of community during periods of uncertainty, and I’m eager to champion the Rochester Art Center’s distinct position as a world-class art destination that adds value to the lives of area residents and visitors.”

Hugdahl’s appointment concludes an extensive nationwide search led by the board’s Search Committee, which included board president Rachel Bohman and board members Brian Dukerschein, Simon Huelsbeck, and Alexandre Maia, Ph.D. Following an intensive vetting and interview process, the full board voted unanimously to offer Hugdahl the position.

“Pam’s leadership qualities, enthusiasm, and vision for the Rochester Art Center make her an ideal fit for this role,” says Bohman. “Her track record of success in the areas of funding, programming, driving membership, and administration stood out to the entire board, and I know we are all excited to support her efforts to take the RAC to new heights.”