The Board of Trustees of the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) is pleased to announce that Joann Mitchell has been chosen as the first Executive Director for the Museum, effective June 1st.
BRAHM, a non-profit organization whose mission is "to promote visual arts and history and to celebrate the rich heritage of the mountains," has been active in the community for several years and recently decided to open a local office to conduct its business and centralize its activities.
The new Director will assume the responsibility for coordinating the group's activities and events, managing its inventory, working closely with the Board of Trustees and Board committees, establishing the Capital Campaign and serving as the community spokesperson for BRAHM.
A Blowing Rock resident since 1999, Joann has served as the head of Communications and Development at Blowing Rock Hospital for the last 5 1/2 years. She has worked closely with the leadership team on public relations, fundraising, media relations, and strategic planning. in addition to being a member of the Executive Committee and holding the office of Treasurer and Membership Chair for BRAHM, she has also volunteered with BRAAC and the Garden Club.
Joann held the position of Assistant Director of Development at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas, where she made her home for 30 years. At TCH, she concluded a $69 million Capital Campaign directed toward an Ambulator Care Center for the largest freestanding pediatric hospital in the United States. She also worked as a Vice President at DePelchin ChildrenÕs Center, a United Way social services agency serving the emotional and psychological needs of children. At DePelchin, she laid the groundwork for a $15 million campaign to construct a new services building.
Joann has two adult daughters, Aime, who works in Athletic Administration at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C.; and Charlotte, who recently graduated from UNC Law School in Chapel Hill.
"I am very excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for BRAHM," Mitchell said. "It is an honor to serve such an outstanding organization with strong leadership and focused goals. We have tremendous plans for building a first-rate museum and assembling an exceptional collection for everyone in the community to enjoy and be proud of. You will be hearing more about us as the summer progresses."