The Museum of Boulder Welcomes Christopher R. Taylor as the New Executive Director

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BOULDER, CO | May 10, 2024 – The Museum of Boulder is pleased to announce that Christopher R. Taylor will become the institution’s new Executive Director, effective early June 2024. Taylor’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment in the museum’s history as it celebrates its 80th anniversary this fall. Susan Glow, Chair of the Museum of Boulder’s Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm about Taylor’s appointment, stating, “Following an exhaustive, nationwide search, we are delighted to welcome Christopher to Boulder as the next leader of our Museum. His experience, knowledge and passion for museums will undoubtedly help shine a new light on our institution, while guiding our staff, our members and the Museum community at large through the next phase of growth and sustainability.”

In his new role, Taylor will assume responsibility for all museum operations, ensure institutional sustainability, represent the museum locally and statewide, and further strengthen its reputation as a hub for history and culture. Most recently the Executive Director of Pilchuck Glass School, the famed international center founded by Dale Chihuly, Taylor has a strong reputation as a passionate nonprofit leader who enhances the value of any institution he serves. He was attracted to the Museum of Boulder’s role as a dynamic reflection of our community, where history serves as a vital resource for understanding our own lives and times. In accepting the job, Taylor stated, “Boulder is my kind of town – from the rich history and natural wonder to the vibrant cultural life and the friendly people. I’m honored to have been selected to lead the Museum of Boulder and look forward to serving the Greater Boulder community and beyond.”

Taylor succeeds Bob Yates, who assumed the role as the Museum’s Interim Executive Director in December 2023. Yates recently completed eight years of service on the Boulder City Council, preceded by six years on the Museum of Boulder’s Board of Directors, four as board chair. He expressed his confidence in Taylor’s ability to lead the Museum, stating, “I was honored to have served as Interim Executive Director during the Museum’s nationwide search for the ideal permanent director. We have certainly found that in Chris Taylor. I look forward to welcoming Chris to Boulder and to helping him transition into his new role.”

The Museum of Boulder Board of Directors invites the community to join in welcoming Christopher R. Taylor as the museum’s new Executive Director and looks forward to embarking on this exciting new chapter in the museum’s history.

About Christopher R. Taylor:

Christopher R. Taylor (He/Him) is a passionate nonprofit leader who believes that strong nonprofits lead to strong communities. For over more than 25 years, Taylor has served mission-based organizations in the educational, community, and cultural areas. He has a distinguished record of strengthening finances, expanding audiences, diversifying revenue streams, and delivering strategic results. Chris enjoys being the public face of good missions.

Taylor has held leadership positions in community arts festivals, museums, an LGBTQ+ community center, his own fundraising business, and two international art schools. His most recent position was as the Executive Director (2018 – 2023) of Pilchuck Glass School north of Seattle, Washington. In this role, he is credited with significant fundraising successes, assessing the 60-building 55-acre campus, and successfully navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to his work with Pilchuck, Chris served as the President (2011 – 2017) of The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. In this role, he provided a strategic vision that expanded the audience and increased donations. This led to the eventual construction and opening (2022) of a new state-of-the-art ceramic educational facility.

Chris has served on the Boards of the Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia, American Craft Council, and the National Advisory Board for the Beer Culture Center. He has served on grant review panels for the Independence Foundation, Chihuly Garden & Glass, the PA Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. He holds a BFA in Sculpture and a BA in Religious Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MA in Arts Administration & Policy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About the Museum of Boulder:

Founded in 1944 as the Boulder Historical Society, the Museum of Boulder is an arts and cultural institution that showcases the remarkable accomplishments of Boulder through innovative exhibits, programs, and social engagement. Located on the corner of Pine and Broadway at 2205 Broadway, the institution serves as a private nonprofit holding over 44,000 objects in its collection of Boulder’s history. The Museum features the AASLH National award winning gallery, The Boulder Experience highlighting the area’s innovators, scientists, athletes, artists, natural foods, and high tech interactives. The venue offers event spaces throughout the building and on its scenic view rooftop, making the Museum a unique community hub and resource venue.