May 16, 2024 Download high-resolution image. BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary today announced the appointment of Lela Davidson as Chief Operating Officer. In her new role, Davidson directs all aspects of operations to optimize reach, revenue, and reputation at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary. Davidson joined the Crystal Bridges team in July 2023 as Business Innovation Officer to develop new commercial projects and partnerships for the museum and its contemporary art and performance venue, the Momentary. “Lela brings two decades of successful, innovative leadership experience across a variety of industries to Crystal Bridges and the Momentary,” said Rod Bigelow, executive director and chief diversity and inclusion officer for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary. “She’s deeply committed to our mission, and she provides just the right balance of both strategic and operational focus. We’re excited to have her in this position as we move toward opening our expanded campus in 2026.” “It is an honor to be entrusted with this role for Crystal Bridges and the Momentary,” said Davidson. “I share the values of this great institution, and I can’t wait to help lead our efforts in this new capacity and ensure all of our visitors, stakeholders, partners, and colleagues benefit from our terrific museum.” Prior to working at Crystal Bridges, Davidson was Executive Vice President, Account Leadership & Client Partnership for Saatchi & Saatchi X, where her teams created retailer marketing for Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company, Samsung, and others. Davidson was also part of an ecommerce startup where she built a country music entertainment and lifestyle media property and partnered with Nashville artists and their labels to create artist branded footwear and apparel. Davidson spent 10 years as a Certified Public Accountant after starting her career as a forensic litigation analyst for Arthur Andersen. ### About Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 12.2 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a non-profit charitable organization by arts patron and philanthropist, Alice Walton. The collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions. The museum is nestled on 120 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities. Some 418,375 school children have participated in the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools. Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and five miles of art and walking trails. In February 2020, the museum opened the Momentary in Downtown Bentonville (507 SE E Street), conceived as a platform for the art, food, and music of our time. In 2026, Crystal Bridges will complete a nearly 100,000 square foot expansion that will allow the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. About the Momentary Opened in February of 2020 in Downtown Bentonville, the Momentary is a platform for the music, art, and food of our time. It is a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality, and a welcoming hub that gathers and celebrates local heroes and international stars. The Momentary was founded by the Walton family, based on the vision of Tom, Olivia, and Steuart Walton. Its commitment to cultivating arts and cultural experiences provides more opportunities for education, engagement, and enjoyment in our region. The Momentary is an extension of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Alice Walton. The Momentary welcomes all with free general admission. Additional offerings include live music, visual and performing arts, an artist-in-residence program, culinary experiences such as Onyx Coffee Lab and the sky-high Tower Bar, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, an outdoor festival space, and a retail shop. For more information, visit theMomentary.org. The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. The Momentary’s Founding Funders are Walton Family Foundation, Walmart, RØDE Microphones, The Coca-Cola Company, Tyson Family Foundation, and Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. Media Contact: media@crystalbridges.org.
