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Jennifer Forsyth, Executive Director / CEO (she /
her)
Jennifer Forsyth is an artist, independent curator, and museum
professional. She has worked for and volunteered at museums, art
galleries, artist-run centres, and non-profit organizations for
over twenty years. As the Executive Director / CEO, Jennifer leads
the AMA Secretariat in achieving the Association's ENDs statements,
reporting to the AMA Board of Directors. She holds expertise in
visual art, organizational development, non-profit governance,
collections management, fund development, community engagement,
copyright, and advocacy. Jennifer is passionate about advocating
for arts and culture, and helping museums make the world a better
place.
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Lauren Wheeler, Strategic Services Director (she /
her)
Lauren Wheeler is a public historian with over twenty years of
experience in museums, heritage, and cultural sectors. She joined
the AMA in 2013 as Program Lead for the Recognized Museum Program
and moved into the position of Strategic Services Director in 2022.
As Strategic Services Director, Lauren is responsible for ensuring
the smooth delivery of programs and services across the
Association's operations. She has expertise in accreditation,
grants, non-profit governance, visitor experience, deaccessioning,
research, and emergency and disaster planning and response. Lauren
is fascinated by how museums tell stories to and with the public.
She rarely turns down a trip to a museum and has visited over 120
of Alberta's unique museums.
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Caroline Loewen, Communications Lead (she /
her)
Caroline Loewen is a curator, writer, and museum practitioner.
She has over fifteen years of experience working in museums in
collections, programming, and curatorial. As Communications Lead,
she is responsible for the AMA's strategic communications, aiming
to effectively convey and support the work of the Association, the
museum sector, and our members. She is passionate about helping
museums become more collaborative, accessible, and engaging spaces,
that promote perspective-taking and dialogic learning, and are
advocates for social change in their communities.
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Meghan Cardy, Program Lead (she / her)
Meghan Cardy is a public policy practitioner and advocacy
professional. She holds a Master of Arts in Policy Studies from the
University of Alberta, and has experience in programming and
interpretation in Alberta museums. Meghan is responsible for
programs and services that enhance and communicate the value and
importance of Alberta's museum sector, such as the Leadership
Awards Program and Institutional Project Grant, and supports the
communications, advocacy, and partnership-building work of the
Association. She is inspired by anticolonial work and relationship
building, the community-strengthening magic of museum work, and
collaborative storytelling in any form.
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Joanne Gruenberg, Program Lead (she / her)
Joanne Gruenberg is a museum professional with over fifteen
years of experience in collections management, exhibition
development, and as a curator. She has had the opportunity to work
in several museums throughout Alberta over the course of her
career. As Program Lead, she is responsible for overseeing the
AMA's Grants Programs as well as the Recognized Museum Program.
Joanne is committed to helping museums realize their potential as
spaces for community connection and leaders in social change and
growth.
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Karli Kendall, Program Lead (she / they)
Karli Kendall is an arts and heritage administration
professional with over fourteen years of experience in museums and
non-profits. She volunteers with theatres, libraries, and community
groups. As Program Lead, she is responsible for the learning
programs, including the Certificate in Museum Studies Program,
webinars, and Professional Development Grants. An ever-curious
creative, she is dedicated to fostering environments of life-long
learning and artistic pursuits, creating a sense of belonging, and
enhancing trust and collaboration in museums and their
communities.
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Lesley Dolman, Operations Coordinator (she /
they)
Lesley Dolman is a musician, educator, and administrator with an
extensive background in the arts and culture sector through the
lens of music and performance. As Operations Coordinator, they
support the other members of the Secretariat in the delivery of
their program areas, as well as responding to general inquiries
sent into the office from members. Lesley continues to be involved
in work across the arts and culture sectors and is very interested
in fostering cross-sectoral collaboration.
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Shauna Coombs, Program Lead (she / her) -
on leave
Shauna Coombs is a museum professional with over 10 years of
experience working in collections, curatorial, and gallery
coordinator roles. She has a Bachelor of Science specializing in
Geology and a Master of Science in Geology from the University of
Alberta. She is the Program Lead for the Recognized Museum Program
and the Grants Program. She leads the Emergency Response Team and
provides support to the AMA Membership as required during
emergencies and disasters.
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Meredith Leary, Program Lead (she / her) -
on leave
As a lover of arts and culture, you can often find Meredith at
events, festivals, or touring local museums. She is passionate
about connecting with people, building relationships, and creating
exceptional experiences. Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Anthropology, a Diploma in Arts and Cultural Management, and is a
graduate of the AMA's Certificate in Museum Studies (CMS)
Program. Currently, Meredith is working towards her Master of
Arts in Communications and Technology at the University of Alberta.
Meredith has worked for the AMA since 2016 in a variety of roles,
most recently as Program Lead for the AMA's learning programs,
which includes leading the CMS Program, the Professional
Development Grant, mentorship programs, and other learning
opportunities. As a former member of the Association, Meredith
enjoys connecting with the AMA Membership and continuing to provide
support to Alberta museum professionals.
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