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Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Announces Advancement Team Appointments

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announces several key appointments to the advancement division for the museum relations team.

Ana Aguayo was hired as membership program manager at the museum and will begin on January 26. Aguayo has served as the external affairs liaison in Governor Mike Beebe’s office with a focus on Hispanic outreach.  She also worked for the Northwest Arkansas Workers’ Justice Center in a variety of roles including development, communication, and as interim executive director.  Aguayo earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arkansas in international relations and broadcast journalism.


Emily Ironside, former membership program manager, has been promoted to development officer and will also oversee the museum’s membership program. Ironside joined Crystal Bridges on August 2013 as the membership program manager, where she managed operations of the membership programs including retention and acquisition campaigns.  Prior to Crystal Bridges, Ironside was the annual giving manager for Walton Arts Center and worked at the University of Arkansas and Walmart.  Ironside received a Master of Arts in communication from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from Lindenwood University.


Hannah Nestor also joined the membership team on January 5 as membership program assistant. In this new position, Nestor will aid in managing the membership program.  Nestor has been working at the museum as a guest services associate since June 2014.  She comes to the membership role with experiences in retail, business, and community development.  Nestor earned a Bachelor of Arts at William Jewell College where she majored in studio art and completed part of the coursework at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City.    


“I am delighted to have these talented professionals on our advancement team.  Their passion for the arts and people will propel our initiatives to further connect members, sponsors, and donors to the museum’s mission,” said Jill Wagar, Crystal Bridges Director of Advancement.