Laura J. Mueller named executive director of Columbia Museum of Art

Laura J. Mueller, Ph.D., has been appointed as the executive director of the Columbia Museum of Art, effective August 3, 2026. Prior to this role, Mueller served as the interim executive director of both the New Mexico Museum of Art and Vladem Contemporary. Her appointment follows a seven-month search that drew candidates from across the nation and internationally. Therese Griffin, the board president, announced Mueller's selection, succeeding the former executive director who left the position in October 2025.