News | Devon Akmon

“Practical Steps in a Time of Uncertainty.” — A note to arts and cultural administrators from our firm

March 18, 2020 News

My colleagues Michael Kaiser (Chairman) and Brett Egan (President) have penned a message to arts and cultural administrators in response to the current pandemic: March 16, 2020 Dear Friends: We write in recognition of the severe hardship faced by many Americans in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, and in solidarity with our colleagues in the arts and culture sector who face an increasingly daunting array of challenges. Not only have ticket sales and entry fees been lost, but manyRead More

Pro Bono Strategic Planning and Research Initiative

March 18, 2019 News

Earlier today our team announced that we will be providing five arts and cultural organizations in rural, semi-rural, or micropolitan communities with pro bono strategic planning services. This opportunity, underwritten in full by the University of Maryland, was open to organizations across the country through a competitive application process. I’m looking forward to joining my colleagues and the participating organizations as we collaborate to craft new strategic plans. This work will focus on long-term artistic and educational programming; marketing andRead More

Supporting the Arts Innovation & Management Program

October 18, 2018 News

Beginning this Fall, our team will be providing capacity building support to over 240 small- and mid-sized arts organizations in seven cities. These organizations are all funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies through their unique and impressive Arts Innovation and Management program. The seven cities include Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, District of Columbia, Denver, New Orleans, and Pittsburgh. We will be leading a series of daylong seminars on a variety of subjects throughout the two-year grant period. Additionally, we will also provide one-on-oneRead More

Interim Leadership Work with the San Antonio Symphony

July 11, 2018 News

Beginning this month, I have the pleasure of joining my colleagues in working with the San Antonio Symphony. Extending through the end of the year, I will be helping to run the day-to-day operations for the Symphony through our work as an interim leadership team. This means I’ll be working from San Antonio three days per week. I’m looking forward to supporting the Symphony during this pivotal time for the organization. News: San Antonio Symphony names new interim executive director

Act Two: Arts Consulting

June 1, 2018 News

Today marks my first day working as a senior consultant with the DeVos Institute of Arts Management. I’m very excited to begin this new chapter supporting arts institutions nationwide. Time to get to work!

Time To Begin A New Chapter

April 4, 2018 News

After 13 years of helping to establish and grow the Arab American National Museum, I’ve decided now is the time to pursue new opportunities and experiences. I will forever cherish my time with the Museum, which includes four years as deputy director and five years as director, and I am immensely proud of what our team and community have been able to achieve. I know the Museum will continue to flourish and I look forward to supporting the institution farRead More

Featured on LeaderStories

January 26, 2018 News

Proud to see my journey and work profiled by American Express Leadership Academy in the new LeaderStories video. This video was created as part of my NGen Fellowship with Independent Sector.

Reflections on Leadership

December 18, 2017 News

As part of our capstone for the 2016-17 American Express NGen Fellows program with Independent Sector, our crew created a series of podcasts and blogs on emerging issues in the nonprofit sector. The first blog post, which I had the privilege to write, and the corresponding podcast by three of my talented colleagues, are now live. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of American Express or Independent Sector. As I reflect on the insightful commentary expressed in myRead More

TAKREEM Award for Cultural Excellence

November 27, 2017 News

On Saturday, November 25, 2017, the Arab American National Museum was honored with a TAKREEM award for Cultural Excellence in Amman, Jordan. TAKREEM, founded in 2009, aims to “honor Arab’s accomplishments and bring Arab achievers to the forefront of the globe stage, defying the negative perceptions that have plagued the region and becoming a source of inspiration to the Arab youth in their search for role models.” We are honored and humbled to be a TAKREEM 2017 laureate. This prestigiousRead More

Busy Week of Conference Presentations & Events

November 1, 2017 News

An incredibly busy week has come to an end. To kick things off, Independent Sector hosted its 2017 conference, Our Common Future, in Detroit. In addition to completing my American Express NGen Fellowship, I had the pleasure of hosting a the Detroit Inside And Out: Refugees And Immigration Tour at the Arab American National Museum as part of the conference program. Much gratitude to the forty people who choose to spend their morning learning about the museum and the localRead More