Michael Whittington began his tenure as Executive Director of the Bellevue Arts Museum in March 2023. Whittington brings a distinguished career of museum leadership to BAM along with a history of successfully transforming organizations at critical stages of their growth.
Previously, Whittington served as President and CEO of Oklahoma City Museum of Art where he led that organization to new levels of artistic and financial success and Executive Director at Monterey Museum of Art where he oversaw efforts leading to exponential growth in attendance and Museum membership. He began his museum career as Curator of Ancient American Art at the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC.
Whittington has a MA in Art History from the University of Florida, and has participated in the Museum Management Institute, Getty Leadership Institute, and the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education Program.
“I’m honored to lead the Bellevue Arts Museum during this consequential moment in the organization’s history,” says Whittington. “I’m excited to help BAM seize the opportunities that come with times of transition and growth. The museum has long been committed to advancing the appreciation of art, craft, and design. I love being in the Pacific Northwest and the opportunity to belong to such an important arts organization.”