Jon Carfagno joined the Grand Rapids Art Museum in June 2009 as Director of Education. His responsibilities include development and planning of programming in accordance with the museum’s educational mission, as well as representing GRAM within the community. Previously, Mr. Carfagno served as the School Programs Manager at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH). There, he led professional development opportunities for K-12 educators and composed interpretive materials based on the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. As co-author of Looking at Art at the MFAH, an art historical textbook designed to support active learning from authentic works of art, his reach expanded to comprise area university students and adult audiences pursuing art appreciation and connoisseurship. Earlier work at other museums includes positions at the Mead Art Museum (2004-2005), the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (2005), the Worcester Art Museum (2001), and the Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin (1999). Mr. Carfagno was awarded the M.A. in art history with a distinction from the University of Massachusetts and the B.A. cum laude in art history and German from the College of the Holy Cross.

Board member since: 2013

Current positions: Co-Vice-President, Chair of Branding Strategy and Development Action Team, Member of Leadership Team