The MAC selects Hession as interim CEO
Dennis Hession, former mayor of the city of Spokane, was recently selected as the interim CEO of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.
The museum board said Hession’s long history of service and contributions to the city’s arts community were both very valuable.
“We are fortunate to have such a high caliber leader take us through this time of transition,” said Sue Bradley, president of the Museum’s board of trustees. “Dennis brings an extensive knowledge of strategic planning, financial management and government relations to the MAC. We look forward to using these talents to continue the growth that the Museum has experienced under the leadership of former CEO Bruce Eldredge.”
Eldredge left late last month to take a position as executive director and CEO of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyo.
It is anticipated it will take about six months to find a permanent CEO.
Hession, a business lawyer, who was mayor until last fall, said he appreciated the decision.
“The Museum is the cultural center of our region and I am honored to serve the Board of Trustees and this community in this important role and responsibility,” he said.
He and his wife Jane were each involved in different aspects of working to improve the area’s culture.
Hession has been an active part of this community for more than a decade. He studied at Gonzaga University and earned his Juris Doctor degree. He returned to the area after earning a master of law degree in taxation from the University of Florida.
He was a member of the city’s Park Board for 11 years, and served on the city council for starting in 2002, representing District 2.
In 2004, he was elected council president, and then was unanimously appointed to the job of mayor following the resignation of Mayor Jim West.
As Mayor, Hession managed a $600 million budget and about 2,000 employees.
He also currently serves on the State of Washington Public Works Board, the Governor’s Climate Change Challenge Advisory Team and the Excelsior Youth Center Board of Directors.
The MAC is at 2316 W. First Ave. in historic Browne’s Addition. It is open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and closed Mondays and major holidays. Regular admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Children 5 and under and Museum members are admitted free.
Information about ongoing Museum exhibits, programs and events are available by calling (509) 456-3931 weekdays, the 24-hour hotline at (509) 363-5315, or visiting the MAC Web site at www.northwestmuseum.org.