NEW YORK.- The Board of Trustees and the Director of the New Museum of Contemporary Art announced today the appointment of Lisa Roumell as Deputy Director. Roumell has over fifteen years of experience in venture capital, investment management, fund-raising, and strategic planning. As Deputy Director, Roumell will be responsible for the daily operations of the New Museum and for overseeing, with Director Lisa Phillips, the new capital project on the Bowery. She will report directly to the Director to develop and implement Museum policy and programs and to manage the Museum’s finances and staff. Roumell will assume her new position on April 28, 2003.

In December 2002, the New Museum announced plans to build a new, 60,000 square foot, $35 million facility at 235 Bowery. Lisa Phillips, Henry Luce III Director of the New Museum, said of Roumell’s appointment: “Lisa has proven herself capable of leading institutions of all sizes through growth and change. As the New Museum enters this new phase of our development – moving into a new facility and expanding our programs and staff – Roumell’s considerable talent and energy will be invaluable.” 

Roumell was a senior partner in DFW Management Company, a private equity investment fund that supports the development of service, industrial, and healthcare-related companies, from 1995-2002. Previously, Roumell spent ten years at First Century Partners, a manager of private equity funds. Since 1995, she has served on the Harvard College Fund Executive Council, where she has led long range strategic planning and helped to develop various fund-raising strategies. 

Lisa Roumell stated, “I have always admired the New Museum’s risktaking and forward-looking spirit. At this important juncture in the Museum’s history, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to its success as it builds a new state-of-the-art facility.”

Roumell replaces Dennis Szakacs, who was at the New Museum for over six years, and who left in March to become the director of the Orange County Museum of Art in California.

Roumell holds an AB from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard University.