From Outputs to Outcomes: The New Museum Professional
Museums often measure success through institutional outputs-exhibitions mounted, programs delivered, visitors counted. But an emerging professional archetype is shifting focus to community outcomes: the measurable progress people make toward goals that matter to them. This session explores what that shift means for strategy, stakeholder relationships, and resource allocation, featuring practitioners currently implementing this outcomes-focused approach.
Kyle Bowen is the founder of Museums as Progress (MaP). He works with museum leaders to build decision-making capabilities that strengthen institutional performance. Many museums collect visitor data but struggle to turn that understanding into choices that affect revenue, positioning, or long-term sustainability. Kyle helps institutions close that gap by aligning cross-functional teams around audience outcomes rather than siloed departmental expertise. The work focuses on understanding what progress people are trying to achieve and how museums can support community goals in ways that generate institutional returns - which decisions will drive revenue, which partnerships strengthen competitive position, and how to demonstrate impact that moves boards and funders.
Amanda Boehm-Garcia is the Head of Museum Experiences at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma, overseeing the museum's curatorial department, learning and engagement, and visitor services. Amanda leads a team.
Joan Kanigan brings more than 20 years of senior management experience in non-profit organizations. Since 2016, she has led decolonizing initiatives at the Western Development Museum to increase diversity and inclusivity. Previously, she served as Executive Director at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology and Brant Historical Society, strengthening community relationships and operational accountability at both institutions. Joan is the course instructor for the Museums Association of Saskatchewan's Organization and Management of Museums course, having previously been the course director for 10 years for the Ontario Museums Association.
Topic: MUSEUMS AND CHANGE
Time: Nov 13, 2025 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82118182845
Meeting ID: 821 1818 2845