INDIANAPOLIS, IN.- Dr. Charles L. Venable, The Melvin & Bren Simon Director and CEO of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, announced today that Connie Dyer has been named the Museum’s Deputy Director for Marketing and External Affairs following an extensive, national search.

In coordination with Venable, Dyer will execute and manage the IMA’s marketing, public relations, retail and event services departments. Serving as part of the senior leadership team, she will be responsible for enhancing customer service and data analysis, identifying new markets for growth for the museum, increasing onsite attendance and optimizing earned income. Dyer will also develop cohesive and targeted strategies for marketing and communications that reflect the IMA’s vision for delivering exceptional visitor experiences, while developing a sustainable business model that includes enhanced earned and donated income.

“Connie brings to the museum a unique blend of strategic management experience and creative vision. She has an exceptional background in overseeing marketing and brand strategies for some of the most successful retail properties throughout the country.” Venable said. “Her more than 30 years of experience employing exceptionally high customer service standards and innovative communication strategies to attract and retain audiences will be an enormous asset to the Museum. With its great art collection, historic homes, art park and botanical gardens, the IMA has the potential to become a place where local patrons and regional, national and international tourists come to spend the day. Connie’s expertise will be instrumental in moving the IMA toward this goal."

Dyer comes to the IMA from General Growth Properties (GGP) in Chicago, where she served as Vice President of Field Marketing for 124 regional shopping centers throughout the U.S. Dyer oversaw GGP’s extensive communications program, managing a multi-million dollar annual budget that included consumer research, advertising, public relations, digital/social media, creative services and special events. She also managed a successful program to attract international, national and regional tourists to key GGP properties.

Prior to her work at GGP, Dyer served as Director of Marketing for two other major shopping center companies — Urban Retail Properties Co. and The Taubman Company. A native of England, Dyer moved to the United States in 1981.

“I am excited to join the staff of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Part of what attracted me to this position was the IMA’s extraordinary collection, programs and facilities. However, the opportunity to become part of a dynamic team that wants to innovate within the museum field is most appealing to me,” Dyer said. “I look forward to joining Charles Venable, the board and the IMA staff in sharing the IMA’s great assets with a wider public.”