Tracy Cosgrove has been named executive director of the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art.

She’ll begin July 1.

Cosgrove brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, with a background in arts administration, philanthropy, finance and social justice.

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She most recently served as finance director at the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts in Helena.

Before that, Cosgrove spent a decade as associate director for finance and advancement at the Missoula Art Museum, and before that, served as chief operating officer at Forward Montana, according to The Square.

“I believe that the transformative power of art and its experience in the museum setting should be available to all, and I am excited to work with The Square’s board and staff to leverage the museum’s success to amplify its impact in all areas—exhibitions, education and programming, collections, and ongoing preservation of the historic building,” Cosgrove said in a release.

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She currently serves on the board of the Montana Community Foundation and has held leadership and board roles with Montana Conservation Voters, the Social Justice Fund, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, YWCA USA, and the Minnesota Women’s Consortium.

Cosgrove’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Minnesota, and accounting studies at the University of Montana.

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“Tracy’s extensive background in the arts, finance, and development—combined with her strategic leadership and deep commitment to institutional excellence—makes her the perfect person to lead us into our next era,” Tess Jacobs, The Square’s board president, said in a release.

Cosgrove’s appointment follows an eight-month national search period that began in October.

“Our hiring process was deeply collaborative,” Jacobs said in a release. “We listened to a broad range of voices about the qualities needed in our next leader—not just for the museum, but for the larger creative ecosystem here in Montana. Tracy stood out as the clear and compelling choice. We’re confident she will lead with clarity, creativity and care.”

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During the transition, Nicole Maria Evans, the museum’s chief curator, served as interim director.

“The entire team is excited to welcome Tracy and begin this new chapter,” Evans said in a release. “Serving as interim director gave me an even deeper appreciation for the important work we all do here at The Square. Tracy’s leadership style, values and vision already align beautifully with our mission. She will bring fresh energy and insight from day one.”

Cosgrove is replacing Sarah Justice, who served as executive director from January 2020 to October, interim director beginning in September 2019, and education director from 2017 to 2019. During her tenure, the museum restored the attic space and exterior windows.