THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM

Museum leadership identified five primary goals in the most recent strategic plan. They are to amaze visitors with meaningful experiences; to inspire stewardship and a sense of place; to engage new audiences; to ensure future financial stability; and to build leadership for the 21st century.

To amaze visitors with meaningful experiences we will cultivate dialogue, expand arts engagement, implement engaging programs and exhibits, and create experiences to include diverse voices.
To inspire stewardship and a sense of place we will expand offsite field trip opportunities, increase engagement in citizen science programs, use art to inspire appreciation of the High Desert, and update our campus plan.
To engage new audiences we will strengthen our access initiatives to under-served populations, develop programming for young adults, and continue collaborating with other institutions.
To ensure future financial stability we will operate on a balanced budget, maintain cash reserves, build the endowment, and continue to strengthen internal financial processes and policies.
To build leadership for the 21st century we will increase board diversity, monitor and strengthen the cultural health of the organization, provide professional development for staff and volunteers, and build awareness and advocacy for the work of museums at a state level.

The High Desert Museum's board of trustees consists of roughly 30 members, whose expertise ranges from law, finance and nonprofit management to education, forestry and art. Board members meet quarterly, serve on one of five committees, align our mission and strategic plan with fundraising goals and contribute financially to the Museum.
A well-qualified team effectively manages the Museum. Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., provides leadership for the organization, coordinating growth in attendance, exhibits and programs, and fundraising. As previously state, she holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology and has more than 20 years of experience developing and managing educational programs and organizations. The 45+ full-time staff are highly qualified to serve in their respective roles; many are experts in their fields. In addition, the Museum has nearly 150 volunteers who generously contribute their time and talent on a regular basis. Collectively, this team is well suited to fulfill the organizational goals.