(PRESS RELEASE) SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Art Jewelry Forum (AJF) announces its new executive director, Yvonne Montoya. Based in San Antonio, Texas, Montoya follows AJF’s first executive director, Rebekah Frank, to whom we extend our heartfelt appreciation for a job well done. A search committee, led by board member Sarah Turner, went through an extensive search that unanimously recommended Montoya to AJF’s Board of Directors.
Under Frank’s dedicated leadership, Art Jewelry Forum built on its strengths, developed new programs, and grew its membership. Her hard work, focus, and passion have guided the organization to a place of new growth and stability, positioning AJF solidly as the world’s premier community for art jewelry collectors and enthusiasts. Montoya is poised to seize this momentum, run with these achievements, and propel the organization into a bright and bold future.
“We’re so pleased to have Yvonne take on the role of our next Executive Director,” say Raïssa Bump and Sienna Patti, board co-chairs. “We’re proud to say that the baton is being passed from one incredible leader to another. Yvonne brings to this job an exceptional combination of strong communication skills, energy, and passion for the arts and jewelry. We look forward to the collaborations to come.”
Montoya holds an MFA in metals from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a BFA in art history and criticism from the University of California, San Diego. She joins us after 15 years of leadership positions in both nonprofit community arts organizations and private arts studios, as well as for-profit businesses. In addition to her extensive arts administration experience, she has considerable international exposure from time spent in Japan, France, Italy, and Mexico, where she worked for the Mérida Contemporary Art Museum.
“I’m deeply honored to have been chosen to lead AJF. I greatly admire the work that has been done thus far and am excited to join forces with this dynamic and growing organization,” says Montoya. “Together with the dedicated board and staff, I am thrilled to build on the work of founder Susan Cummins.”
Montoya will start her tenure full time on December 7, 2018.