On Tuesday, November 12, Paula Gangopadhyay will speak on “Riding the Wave: The Changing Role of Museums and Museum Professionals.” 6:30 p.m., University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School, East Conference Room (4th floor).

The presenter, a respected and recognized leader in the national museum, cultural, policy, philanthropy, and education sectors, offers unique insight about the field gleaned from a highly successful 25-year career.

The twenty-first century offers exciting opportunities for museums and museum professionals to rethink and reimagine their roles. According to Gangopadhyay, “The power of riding the wave and leveraging the opportunities for growth and sustainability lies within us.”

The talk will offer insight into the importance of breaking the mold and present examples of how some organizations are succeeding as innovative leaders. 

Paula Gangopadhyay is the deputy director heading the Office of Museum Services at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in Washington, DC. Prior to this role, she served on the National Board of IMLS, appointed by President Barack Obama. She has held several leadership positions in Michigan, most recently serving as the chief learning officer at The Henry Ford for eight years.

The event is free and open to the public.