THE BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART (BMA) announced Chantal Drake is joining the Alabama museum as James Milton and Sallie R. Johnson Deputy Director.
The appointment is a homecoming of sorts. A native of Huntsville, Ala., Drake’s interest in museums was first sparked when she visited the Birmingham Museum of Art as a young girl and she went on to study art history at nearby University of Alabama at Birmingham.
At BMA, Drake will collaborate with the director on museum operations, advancing its mission and new strategic plan, and taking the lead on government and community relations.
She will also oversee the Finance and Facilities, People and Culture, and Design and Technology departments.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chantal to our leadership team at the Birmingham Museum of Art,” BMA Director Graham C. Boettcher said in a statement. “Chantal’s extensive fundraising and marketing experience in the visual arts will help propel our ambitious goals and objectives as we work to realize a new strategic plan.”
“Chantal’s extensive fundraising and marketing experience in the visual arts will help propel our ambitious goals and objectives as we work to realize a new strategic plan.” — BMA Director Graham C. Boettcher
Drake brings a dozen years of experience to her new role. Since 2019, she was director of development and communications at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis, Tenn., where her portfolio also included honing the museum’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. She previously served as director of communications and communications associate at Dixon. She has also been an adjunct professor at the Memphis College of Art.
In terms of her academic background, Drake earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2006), and a master’s degree in art history with a museum studies certification from the University of Memphis (2010). She also completed the Getty Leadership Institute program in 2019.
News of Drake’s Birmingham Museum of Art appointment was announced Jan. 13. She officially started at on Jan. 17.
In a statement about the new opportunity, Drake said: “My love of museums began at The Birmingham Museum of Art. I’m honored to now join the organization that had such a huge impact on me and my career. I look forward to working with leadership on the established direction of the BMA and strengthening ties with the Birmingham community.” CT
IMAGE: Chantal Drake. | Courtesy BMA
