I'm not in favor of putting museum staff on boards of trustees.  First off, I
think the biggest problem with staff of other institutions serving on museum
boards is conflict of interest, particularly in the areas of fund raising and
collections development.   A great deal of proprietary information is discussed
at board meetings and in committees.  Even the most ethical staff member/trustee
can be tempted to use information for his/her own institution's benefit, or be
reduced to complete ineffectiveness because he/she can't participate in
decision-making due to conflicts.  I think it's a lot to ask of a colleague.

In addition, these types of appointments blur the very important distinctions
between the roles of staff and board.  And the fallout from such appointments
can have a negative impact on the working relationship of the staff from the two
institutions.  I also think it is exceedlingly unfair to museum staff to be
governed by staff from their own or from other institutions.

We all benefit from the sharing of professional expertise.  In my opinion it's
better to use that expertise in an advisory capacity (ideally in paid or
volunteer consultantcies or, at the most, on a non-governing advisory board or
committee) rather than putting this expertise on the governing board.

As for all-volunteer museums, I know they beg for nuts & bolts expertise on
their boards, but frankly the governing board is not where it belongs.

Anne Ackerson
Independent Consultant Providing Management, Development & Creative Services to
Cultural Institutions
Olean, NY  14760
716-373-5403