San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Names New Executive Director

SAN ANGELO, TX - The Board of Trustees of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts announced that Josefa González Mariscal is the new museum’s Executive Director. She will assume her role on March 18, 2024. 

After a six-month search to fill this key position, SAMFA Board Chair Heidi Brooks states, “On behalf of SAMFA’s Board of Trustees, we are overjoyed to welcome Josefa as our new Executive Director. Her background and experience are exactly what we need at this time. We are thrilled about our future with her.”

We reported in August of 2023 that Alex Freeman was heralded by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Board as the best replacement for retiring and long-time museum director Howard Taylor on August 9. 

After just 20 days, Freeman was terminated by the Museum board.  

SAMFA Curator Laura Huckaby, who has served as Interim Director since August, assisted the Board with the search.

“I couldn’t be happier that we have appointed Josefa to lead our organization into the future," she said. "I believe she is a perfect fit for us, and the staff and I look forward to welcoming her to the team. I am honored to have served the museum as Interim Director these past six months, but I am grateful to be able to focus my attention once more on the collections and exhibits.”

González Mariscal is an arts and culture career professional with experience in museums and arts administration. She has worked interpreting and preserving artistic and cultural heritage consulting for museums and collectors. She has held leadership positions at the Appraisers Association of America in NY and the Houston contemporary arts organization Diverse Works, served as Deputy Director of Interpretation at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and was appointed Executive Director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center by the New Mexico Governor. 

González Mariscal holds a bachelor’s degree in art history, a graduate certificate in fine and decorative arts appraising from NYU, and a master’s in public service and administration in nonprofit management from Texas A&M University. 

“Standing on the past leadership legacy,” González Mariscal said, “I am honored to lead the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. I look forward to fulfilling its vision of enhancing the quality of life of the Concho Valley communities by facilitating engaging art exhibitions and educational programming.”