Everson Museum Welcomes 6 New Board Members with Diverse Expertise

The renowned Syracuse art institution adds leaders in art, business, and technology to its governing board.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:35am

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of an abstract, geometric sculpture or architectural detail from the Everson Museum, repeated in a grid of vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the museum's embrace of diverse perspectives and innovative approaches.The Everson Museum's new board members bring a wealth of expertise to elevate the institution's artistic vision and community impact.Syracuse Today

The Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, New York has announced the addition of six new members to its board of trustees, each bringing unique expertise in fields like art, business, and technology. The new trustees include a 3D printing innovator, a ceramic artist and collector, an audio-visual industry veteran, an entrepreneurship professor, an energy sector executive, and a financial advisor. Together, they will help guide the museum's mission and future direction.

Why it matters

The Everson Museum is a renowned institution that has championed American art for over a century. The infusion of new talent and diverse perspectives on the board signals the museum's commitment to staying relevant and innovative, leveraging expertise beyond the traditional art world to enhance its programming and community impact.

The details

The six new Everson Museum board members are: Isaac Budmen, the head of Budmen Industries who has collaborated with the museum on 3D printing projects; Louise Rosenfield, a Dallas-based ceramic artist and collector who has supported student memberships; David J. Foor, the CEO of Visual Technologies with decades of audio-visual experience; Dirk Sonneborn, an entrepreneurship professor at Syracuse University and nonprofit executive; Gia Mahmoud, the Vice President of Portfolio and Project Management at National Grid; and Ed Cronk, a CPA who will serve as the board's treasurer.

  • The new board members were announced in April 2026.

The players

Everson Museum of Art

A renowned art museum in downtown Syracuse, New York that has championed American art since 1897, housed in an iconic I.M. Pei-designed building.

Isaac Budmen

The head of Budmen Industries, a technology company that has collaborated with the Everson Museum on 3D printing projects.

Louise Rosenfield

A Dallas-based ceramic artist and collector who has supported student memberships at the Everson Museum and named the Louise Café within the museum.

David J. Foor

The CEO of Visual Technologies, a leading audio-visual company, who has supported exhibitions and programs at the Everson Museum.

Dirk Sonneborn

A professor of entrepreneurship at Syracuse University and former executive at The Gifford Foundation and CNY Community Foundation.

Gia Mahmoud

The Vice President of Portfolio and Project Management at National Grid, with over 20 years of leadership experience in the energy sector.

Ed Cronk

A CPA with Bowers Advisors LLC who will serve as the Everson Museum board's treasurer, bringing expertise in financial oversight and operational models.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to welcome this fresh wave of talent and expertise to the Everson Museum's board of trustees. Their diverse backgrounds in art, business, and technology will undoubtedly enhance our mission and vision for the future.”

— Ryan McDermott, Board Chair, Everson Museum of Art

What’s next

The new board members will begin their terms immediately, working alongside the existing leadership team to guide the Everson Museum's strategic direction and programming.

The takeaway

The Everson Museum's decision to bring in leaders from outside the traditional art world signals its commitment to staying innovative and relevant, leveraging diverse expertise to better serve its community and cement its legacy as a pioneering American art institution.