Oklahoma City Museum of Art Named Interim Directors

The Board of Trustees appointed Bryon Chambers and Maury Ford to lead the institution following a leadership change.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People

Oklahoma City Museum of Art Named Interim Directors

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The Oklahoma City Museum of Art Board of Trustees has appointed Bryon Chambers and Maury Ford as Co-Interim Directors. These appointments follow the departure of former President and CEO Michael Anderson.

Why it matters

The change in leadership comes as the museum prepares for a nationwide search for a permanent successor to guide the institution. The museum serves approximately 100,000 annual visitors and remains a cultural cornerstone in Oklahoma City.

The new interim leadership team brings 30 years of combined service to the museum, which manages an annual attendance of 100,000 visitors. Bryon Chambers also contributes 13 years of experience from his service on the Oklahoma City Arts Commission.

The players

Bryon Chambers

He is a long-standing museum staff member who previously served on the Oklahoma City Arts Commission for 13 years.

Maury Ford

She joined the museum in 2013 as Registrar and has now been tapped to lead as a Co-Interim Director.

Michael Anderson

He served as the President and CEO of the museum from late 2019 until August 2026 before leaving to lead the Portland Art Museum.

Meg Salyer

She leads the task force responsible for conducting the nationwide search for the next permanent President and CEO.

The details

The museum has established a task force led by Meg Salyer to manage the nationwide search for a permanent President and CEO. Michael Anderson, who served as the leader since late 2019, left the role in August to become the Director of the Portland Art Museum.

Bryon Chambers began his tenure at the museum in 2006.
Maury Ford joined the museum as Registrar in 2013.
Michael Anderson assumed his role in late 2019.
Michael Anderson announced his resignation in mid-August 2026.
The Board of Trustees announced the interim appointments on October 12, 2026.

Market Landscape

The transition process follows the organizational pattern set by the 2019 transition of museum leadership. By appointing internal staff as interim heads, the museum maintains operational continuity while competing to attract talent in a crowded national arts sector.

Visitors should expect no disruptions to current exhibitions or daily operations while the museum board conducts its search. Programs and services for the institution's 100,000 annual guests will continue under the direction of the new interim leadership team.

The takeaway

The appointment of internal staff to interim roles ensures that the institution remains stable during a period of executive turnover. Maintaining institutional memory during a search helps museums bridge the gap between long-term leadership tenures.