Joanne Marks Kauvar, CAJM's first Executive Director, has announced her plans to retire at the end of June after a decade-long tenure. Kauvar has been a critical force in shaping the organization, helping CAJM to achieve independence and self-sufficiency and to expand its value and benefit to constituents. Under her leadership, CAJM increased its membership base; advanced professional development initiatives, including substantively enriching the annual conference; introduced fellowship, scholarship, and museum admission reciprocity programs; launched a comprehensive new website and monthly e-newsletter; and strengthened the organization's ties with the AAM, affiliate organizations, and the international Jewish museum community. In communicating her decision to the CAJM Board, Kauvar wrote that this "point of strength and renewal" for the organization coincides with "a juncture in my own life." After a 40-year career in arts administration, including 28 years in the Jewish cultural field, she looks forward to having more time to enjoy grandchildren, travel, and return to art-making.  

One of the distinguished speakers at the March retreat was Ford. W. Bell, President of the American Alliance of the Museums. He reminded us that Trendswatch 2014 was recently released by AAM's Center for the Future of Museums. This annual forecasting report summarizes emerging trends identified through CFM's research.  It explores how each trend is playing out in the world, investigates what it means for museums and society, illustrates how some museums are engaging with the trend, and suggests how others might respond. We have made it easy for you to read the report and consider which trends may be affecting your museum and community.