Oklahoma City Museum of Art Appointed Interim Leaders
The Board of Trustees named two internal veterans to guide operations during the search for a new permanent CEO.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People
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The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has appointed Bryon Chambers and Maury Ford as Co-Interim Directors following the departure of former President and CEO Michael Anderson. The museum has established a task force to lead a nationwide search for a permanent successor.
Why it matters
The change in leadership initiates a transition period for an institution that serves 100,000 annual visitors. Establishing stable internal oversight allows the organization to maintain daily operations while the board identifies long-term strategic direction.
The new interim leadership team brings 30 years of combined service to the museum, which manages a facility serving 100,000 annual visitors. Bryon Chambers also draws on 13 years of previous service with the Oklahoma City Arts Commission.
The players
Bryon Chambers
An internal veteran serving as Co-Interim Director who has been with the museum since 2006.
Maury Ford
An internal veteran serving as Co-Interim Director who joined the museum as Registrar in 2013.
Michael Anderson
The former President and CEO who led the museum from 2019 until his 2026 departure.
Meg Salyer
The board member overseeing the task force responsible for the permanent presidential search.
The details
The Board of Trustees tasked Bryon Chambers and Maury Ford with executive oversight to bridge the gap left by Michael Anderson, who departed for the Portland Art Museum. Meg Salyer is leading a task force to manage the recruitment process for a permanent president and CEO. This internal appointment ensures continuity for the organization's ongoing programming and visitor services throughout the search period.
Timeline
2006: Bryon Chambers began his tenure at the museum.
2013: Maury Ford joined the museum staff as Registrar.
Late 2019: Michael Anderson assumed leadership of the museum.
Mid-August 2026: Michael Anderson announced his resignation.
October 12, 2026: The Board of Trustees announced the interim appointments.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the movement of Michael Anderson to the Portland Art Museum. It mirrors standard nonprofit governance practices where internal veterans are elevated to stabilize operations while the board pursues a formal, external recruitment process.
Operators should monitor the institution’s upcoming programming calendar for any adjustments made during the transition. Maintaining consistent communication with museum leadership remains critical for vendors and local partners while the search for a permanent CEO is underway.
The takeaway
Large nonprofits often use interim co-leadership models to preserve institutional memory during executive searches. Business owners should document their own succession plans to ensure key decision-making roles remain filled during unexpected leadership vacancies.
Further reading
For more on shifts in local executive roles, see our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oklahoma City Free Press | The Oklahoma City metro's locally owned, fiercely independent news source.
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