LONG BEACH, CA.- Mike Deovlet and Burke Gumbiner, Co-Chairmen of the Museum of Latin American Art’s Board of Directors, announced the appointment today of Stuart A. Ashman as MOLAA’s President and CEO. His appointment is the result of a six-month international search and his tenure will begin on September 6, 2011.

Ashman joins MOLAA at an exciting time, as the museum’s 15th anniversary draws to a close. Driven primarily by an evolving and strengthened artistic direction over the last two years, MOLAA has seen growing admissions and increasing accolades from the museum industry and media critics locally, nationally, and internationally. Burke Gumbiner, son of MOLAA’s founder Dr. Robert Gumbiner, said “Stuart’s priority will be to create a solid infrastructure to support this growth. The Board is excited about MOLAA’s current direction and we searched for a President with the experience to ensure that the museum would continue to grow and support itself in perpetuity. Stuart’s proven administrative skills in diverse environments combined with his knowledge of Latin American art make him an ideal candidate for this position.” Ashman brings with him over twenty years of museum management experience having worked nationally and internationally in both private and government sectors. Raised in Cuba, Ashman’s advanced education and professional career have all been based in the United States.

Ashman said, “I am pleased to be given this opportunity and look forward to building upon the founder’s vision and passion for Latin American art and the Latino community which have always been at the core of the institution’s programs, collections and exhibitions. MOLAA’s mission is timely. The world of Latin American art is exciting and dynamic – one that should be shared with the widest possible audience. MOLAA’s staff is knowledgeable, innovative and passionate; the collection is significant and growing; and the facility is beautiful. These are the elements of a great institution. With the support of the Board and staff, I hope to help MOLAA become an even more significant player in the international art scene.”

Over the last year, Ashman has served as an Expert Advisor for the United States Peace Corps assessing arts related programs in several Latin American countries. Prior to the Peace Corps, Ashman’s experience included eight years at the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of New Mexico, three years as a curator and five years as its Director; founding Director of the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico; seven and a half years as Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs; and Director of Latin American Programs for the Richardson Institute for Global Engagement. He has a certificate in Museum Management from the Getty Leadership Institute and a BA in Photography and Fine Art from The City University of New York.