The Birmingham Museum of Art has announced the appointment of a new deputy director. Starting on Jan. 17, Chantal Drake will assume the role as the museum’s James Milton and Sallie R. Johnson Deputy Director.

Drake will work alongside Dr. Graham C. Boettcher, the R. Hugh Daniel Director of the Birmingham Museum of Art, “to develop strategies and organizational structures for carrying out the museum’s mission, and implementing the vision and strategic plan,” the BMA said in a press release.

Drake’s responsibilities will also include oversight of various museum departments, management of daily operations, and relationship cultivation with government and community partners.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chantal to our leadership team at the Birmingham Museum of Art,” Boettcher said in the same release. “Chantal’s extensive fundraising and marketing experience in the visual arts will help propel our ambitious goals and objectives as we work to realize a new strategic plan.”

Drake previously served as the Director of Development and Communications at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis, Tenn., a role she held since 2019. In that office, she managed the Dixon’s public relations and marketing strategies, as well the museum’s fundraising, membership, and corporate partnership programs. She also helped develop and direct policies to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Dixon’s programming, audience development, and governance. She previously worked as Director of Communications and Communications Associate for the Dixon, as well as an adjunct professor at the Memphis College of Art.

A native of Huntsville, Ala., Chantal holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s degree in art history with a museum studies certification from the University of Memphis. She completed the Getty Leadership Institute program in 2019.

“My love of museums began at The Birmingham Museum of Art,” Drake said in the press release about her appointment. “I’m honored to now join the organization that had such a huge impact on me and my career. I look forward to working with leadership on the established direction of the BMA and strengthening ties with the Birmingham community.”

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