The Ogunquit Museum of American Art said it has promoted David Cunningham to the executive director role, effective March 1.
Cunningham has been director of advancement since 2023 and has served as interim executive director during the recent search period. The board unanimously approved his selection.
Cunningham steps into a role held by Amanda Lahikainen, who started as executive director in May 2020. She is credited with increasing the museum’s annual operating budget year over year, leading fundraising initiatives and founding the museum’s education programs. Lahikainen will start March 15 as executive director of the Concord Museum in Concord, Mass.
The Ogunquit Museum was founded in 1953 by artist Henry Strater. Its mid-century modern building is in itself a showpiece, perched on a ledge overlooking the ocean, with three acres of grounds and sculpture garden.
Its collection includes paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints and photographs from the late 1800s to the present, and reflects Ogunquit’s history as a summer arts colony. It is open seasonally, this year from April 10 to Nov. 15.
“There is simply nowhere else to engage with art of this caliber where the galleries and the sea remain in continuous conversation. The ocean isn’t just our backdrop; it changes how the work is experienced,” Cunningham said in a news release.
What’s ahead
One of the museum’s next tasks will be to find a replacement for the director of advancement position, which Cunningham held.
As executive director, he brings a background in art combined with three decades in management, including 26 years at IMG, a global firm involved in events related to sports, fashion and media. He’s worked in London, Paris and New York City.
“Following a comprehensive internal evaluation and interview process, the board determined that David’s experience, strategic insight, and commitment to the museum make him the right choice to serve as executive director,” said Karyn Morin, president of the museum’s board of trustees. “His deep understanding of the museum’s mission and his strong leadership will ensure continuity and stability as we prepare for the next chapter in OMAA’s future.”
In a statement, Cunningham said he looks forward to working with the team to build on the museum’s strong foundation.
“It’s a privilege to steward a museum with such a rich history, and one that is truly singular in the American museum landscape,” he said.