Supervisory Museum Registrar + Collections Manager | LGBTQ+ Museum Staff & Audience Advocate |

Tenacious, Strategic Collections Advocate

I am a strategic and passionate collections advocate, drawing on 20 plus years of experience in archaeological labs and natural history, history, and fine art museums. Over my career, I have contributed to the stewardship of cultural and natural resources through my work with NAGPRA activities, registration and collections management, museum exhibits, education programs, and archaeological fieldwork.

I specialize in overseeing acquisitions, loans, dispositions, and rights and reproductions for diverse resources on exhibition—archaeological, ethnographic, biological, geological. I am accomplished at analyzing legal issues in museums including NAGPRA and fish and wildlife laws and permits.

If you are looking for a problem-solver or a bridge-builder, I have demonstrated experience resolving a range of collection and operational challenges, big or small:

+ Applying best practices to collections policy, procedure and form development

+ Developing and administering collection information systems from the ground up

+ Negotiating solutions to displaying collections in challenging exhibit environments

+ Delivering long-term preservation benefits to collections by advocating for improvements to (1) building envelope and maintenance (2) building systems including HVAC installations and (3) visitor experience policies impacting collections

+ Troubleshooting complicated active microclimate environments in exhibit cases

+ Building a trusting rapport with collection colleagues

If you are looking for an emotionally-intelligent supervisor and teammate who embraces transparency and open communication, I have proven experience:

+ Prioritizing a warm, friendly demeanor despite a demanding work culture

+ Listening empathetically and advocating for staffs' needs

+ Supporting the growth and development of direct reports

+ Recognizing and valuing my direct reports’ contributions to the museum

+ Fostering camaraderie and fun on exhibit teams

I want to help you achieve your museum’s mission and strategic plans. Together, let’s make museums truly a place for everyone. A place our collective cultural and natural resources are respectfully cared for and shared for generations to come.

To learn more about me, please visit my LinkedIn profile at linkedin.com/in/annette-gavigan.