Crystal Bridges and the Momentary Announce New Chief Operating Officer
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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.
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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 15 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission.
Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization by 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 134 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by the world-renowned Safdie Architects. 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, and is the home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program.
Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and five miles of art and walking trails.
Crystal Bridges' 114,000 square foot expansion will open to the public June 6 and 7, 2026, allowing the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.
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About the Momentary
Opened in February 2020 in Downtown Bentonville, the Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality.
The institution serves as an extension of Crystal Bridges and functions as a community gathering space. It features programming including live music performances, visual and performing arts, artist residencies, and culinary experiences. The venue provides free general admission and offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for events.
The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street in Bentonville, Arkansas.
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