Randy Guthmiller Associate Director for Learning, Engagement, and Public Practice

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Randy Guthmiller to the position of Associate Director for Learning, Engagement, and Public Practice at Sheldon Museum of Art. Guthmiller was selected after a national search led by Suzanne Tan, senior search consultant at Museum Search & Reference.   

A dedicated and passionate art museum professional, Randy has had significant work experience in both museum learning and the visitor experience at three major institutions in Texas. Most recently, he served as the Manager of Experiences and Programs at Ruby City in San Antonio, a contemporary community art center that opened to the public in 2019. Prior to that, Randy worked at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, Texas, first as an educator and then as the Manager of Visitor Experiences, while also working for eight years as an artist educator at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Guthmiller holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Education from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Randy to Sheldon’s team,” said Susan Longhenry, Director of the Museum. “His uniquely integrated expertise in community engagement, academic engagement, and the visitor experience aligns perfectly with our commitment to centering and deeply engaging visitors and members of both academic and non-academic communities.”

Randy began his appointment in January 2025, joining a senior leadership team composed of the Museum’s Director and the newly hired Chief Curator and Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs.

OFFICE MANAGER

Application Deadline: CLOSED

Erin Hammerdtedt appointed Executive Director

Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, NH, has named Erin Hammerstedt as its new Executive Director. The nationwide search was led by Senior Search Consultant Dan Yaeger. Hammerstedt began her new role on September 3.  

According to David Katz, Board Chair of Canterbury Shaker Village, Hammerstedt will lead the organization into “a new phase of vision and energy.” This new phase includes a multi-million-dollar capital campaign, backed by a feasibility study that ensures the stability of the Village’s historic preservation, collections, visitor experience, and endowment. “Erin has tremendous experience in community relations and the rehabilitation and management of historic properties, which makes her the perfect hire for the Village,” said Katz. “We look forward to her leadership.” 

 Previously, Hammerstedt served as Executive Director of Historic Harrisville, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the unique historical and architectural heritage of Harrisville, New Hampshire. Among other duties in this capacity, she managed the rehabilitation, maintenance, leasing, and operation of twenty-two historic buildings that contained approximately 75,000 square feet of leasable commercial space and twelve residential rental units. 

 “Erin has the financial management and leadership experience we need to expand our educational outreach and properly protect and maintain the Village’s core physical assets,” added Katz. “The present and future look very bright at the Village.” 

Michael Bowers appointed Chief Operating Officer

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) appointed Michael Bowers as the nonprofit’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He joins the DZS after spending the past seventeen years at Corewell Health, serving most recently as its Vice President of Planning, Design and Construction. Bowers was chosen after an extensive search led by Senior Search Consultant Ida Tomlin. He began work in August. 

 As COO, Bowers will lead and oversee a number of teams, including the nonprofit’s construction, facilities, operations, security, and sustainability departments—all dedicated to the DZS’s mission of “creating meaningful connections between people, animals, and the natural world, so all can thrive.” Bowers stated, “At the core of facility operations in healthcare, our role was to provide safe, compliant and comfortable environments for patients, visitors, and staff, and those same principles apply to operations at the DZS, concentrating on the critical and unique habitats and environments for the animals under our care.”  

 Bowers has twenty years of experience in the construction and project-management fields, having previously worked at Beaumont Health (before its merger with Spectrum Health to transition to Corewell Health) and Lausman Homes. He is an expert in planning, designing, and executing complex projects and has led teams throughout his career—spearheading many projects including the development of Corewell Health’s strategic and master plans. 

 “Mike has achieved many notable accomplishments throughout his career, and we are thrilled to have him join the DZS team,” said Dr. Hayley Murphy, Executive Director and CEO. “As we continue to shape the future of the DZS through our strategic and master planning processes, Mike will be an invaluable addition, as we work toward igniting positive change for animals and nature.” 

 Bowers is a native Michigander who grew up in Troy, Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Building and Construction Management from Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Daniel Kurt Ackermann appointed Director

Daniel Kurt Ackermann has been named director of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, the historic house museum for American decorative arts at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. MS&R Senior Search Consultant Connie Rosemont led the national search.