(Flagstaff, Ariz.) October 30, 2014 – The Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) has named Carrie M. Heinonen as Director and Chief Executive Officer to succeed Dr. Robert Breunig. Heinonen has more than 20 years of experience with both non-profit and Fortune 100 organizations including brand-management roles at Wm. Wrigley Jr. and Quaker Oats/Pepsico. Most recently, she served as President and Director of the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Ariz. From 2005 to 2011, she served as the Vice President for Marketing and Public Affairs at the Art Institute of Chicago, the country’s second largest art museum, where she established the marketing department, rebranded the museum and led communications for the launch of the museum’s Modern Wing.
“I am thrilled by the selection of Carrie as the next director of the Museum of Northern Arizona,” said Breunig. “She has the right combination of experience in both the museum and business worlds to lead MNA to its next stage of development and understands the unique character of the museum. She will be a strong steward of its mission, its assets, and its future potential.”
Having grown up in Tucson, Heinonen received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Dartmouth College and her Master’s Degree in Public and Private Management from the Yale School of Management. She has worked in the curatorial department at the Heard Museum conducting research for The Boarding School Experience exhibition, studied Maori art in New Zealand, and lived and worked with the White Mountain Apache tribe.
“I am honored to be joining MNA on the heels of such a transformational leader,” said Heinonen. “Dr. Breunig, with the support of the board, has accomplished so much to ensure that the museum is positioned to fulfill its role as a steward of the Colorado Plateau’s natural and cultural legacy. I look forward to working with the museum’s talented staff, dedicated board, and with Robert to actively serve the Flagstaff community as well as visitors from afar.”
“Robert’s positive contributions to the museum and community will be felt for decades to come,” said Kent Corbin, chairman of MNA’s Board of Trustees. “We are confident Carrie is the ideal candidate to pick up the baton and take us into the future.”
Breunig, 69, first joined MNA in 1975 and returned in 2003 as President and CEO. From January until his retirement in June 2015, he will retain the title of President and will focus on the much anticipated renovation of MNA’s ethnology gallery. The project will showcase more of the museum’s world-class collection and include greater representation of native voices.
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About the Museum of Northern Arizona
The Museum of Northern Arizona inspires a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the Colorado Plateau. Founded in 1928, the 200-acre campus includes an historic exhibit building with nine galleries showcasing the geology, anthropology and art of the region; research and collections facilities; a world-class museum shop; and more than 450 public programs annually. To learn more, visit musnaz.org or call (928) 774-5213.