Kathryn Haigh promoted to chief operating officer at Indianapolis Museum of Art

Kathryn Haigh. Indianapolis Museum of Art image

INDIANAPOLIS – Kathryn Haigh has been promoted to the position of chief operating officer at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Dr. Charles L. Venable, CEO of the museum, made the announcement Thursday.

Haigh will continue to manage the IMA’s art collection, exhibitions, conservation laboratories, historic sites, security and facilities operations, while playing a leading role in developing and implementing a new 30-year master plan for the institution.

Haigh joined the IMA in 2007 after spending 13 years at the Cincinnati Art Museum. She was promoted to deputy director for collections and exhibitions in 2010. In this role, her responsibilities were enhanced to include logistical oversight of the exhibitions program, as well as management of art registration, photography and research departments.

She was a member of the team that implemented the “Gloria” exhibition in the U.S. Pavilion at the 54th Venice Biennale in 2011 and worked with colleagues to transition the Eero Saarinen-designed Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana, from private residence to historic site. In 2013, Venable further expanded Haigh’s responsibilities and promoted her to deputy director for collections, exhibitions and facilities management.

Some of the IMA’s plans include renovating historic structures and galleries and advancing the management of the museum’s large art collection. While at the IMA, Haigh has been deeply involved with similar projects, including the renovation and installation of the new Contemporary Design Galleries in 2013 and the IMA’s reaccreditation by the Alliance of American Museums in 2016. Currently, Haigh is working with staff to draft the IMA’s first-ever Historic Preservation Policy and Comprehensive Facilities Maintenance Plan.