HAMILTON, OH - Heather Sanderson Lewis, president of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum's Board of Trustees, has announced that Sarah Templeton Wilson has been appointed the next Executive Director of the non-profit organization. Ms. Templeton Wilson's tenure begins immediately.
Sarah Templeton Wilson is a respected arts administrator with 20 years of experience in museums, performing arts, and university-level teaching. She was serving as the Interim Director of Pyramid Hill, having been appointed to this position when former Executive Director Bryan Knicely left in June 2023.
Ms. Templeton Wilson was hired by Pyramid Hill early in 2021 as the Park’s first Development Director, and since that time has led an effort to establish an impressive portfolio of individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants.
She began her development career in 2007 at Ohio University, where she also taught undergraduate courses in interdisciplinary arts. After five years in Athens, she was hired by Miami University, her alma mater. During her eight years at Miami, she launched an alumni and donor engagement program for the regional campuses and built affinity programs for alumni of the Oxford campus. Prior to joining Pyramid Hill, she was Associate Director of Development at Cincinnati Ballet and part of the capital campaign for their new facility in Walnut Hills. As Executive Director, she will lead all aspects of the Park's operations, including curatorial oversight, administrative and financial management, fundraising, marketing, education, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
"We are pleased to name Sarah Templeton Wilson as the next Executive Director of Pyramid Hill," said Ms. Lewis. "The board was looking for a candidate who embodies the key characteristics of empathy, intellect, critical thinking, and unquestioned integrity. Sarah Templeton Wilson has already demonstrated these as well as her abilities as a collaborative leader, innovator, and accomplished communicator. She brings genuine passion for the arts and an unwavering belief that art in nature can transform lives and reinforce our shared humanity. We are confident that she will champion the Park's commitment to provide excellent art and programming, memorable visitor experiences, and accessibility for all audiences."
Today's announcement concludes a four-month national search, chaired by board member Patty Beggs, with participation from the Park's board, staff, and community leaders, and conducted in partnership with the firm of Clark Schaefer Strategic HR. The search was exhaustive and comprehensive in scope, generated over 270 applicants, and included several dozen written, phone, and personal interviews. Sarah Templeton Wilson was the unanimous choice of the Board of Trustees.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading the Park during such an important time for Pyramid Hill and the broader arts community. Art is an essential element to healthy, vibrant communities, and Pyramid Hill is contributing to the City of Hamilton’s renaissance and the City of Cincinnati’s ranking as best place to live in Ohio. From the moment I started working for the Park, I knew that there was so much potential for Pyramid Hill to expand its role in the conversation of art, nature, and education. I am very excited to continue to move the Park forward with the help of my great team, our partners, and the board,” Sarah Templeton Wilson said.
Ms. Templeton Wilson’s appointment comes as Pyramid Hill has recently completed a long-range plan, which will culminate when the Park celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2027. The Park has earned a national reputation due to its significant acreage, unique permanent collection, commitment to inclusion and public engagement, robust environmental practices, and fiscal health. Additionally, in 2019 Pyramid Hill became stewards of Fortified Hill Earthworks, a 2,000-year-old Hopewell Culture hilltop adjacent to the Park that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Park plans to open this new site for limited public tours later this year.
John Guidugli, President/CEO of Hamilton Community Foundation said, “I think Sarah is an outstanding choice for the Executive Director position at Pyramid Hill. I have worked with her in her role as Development Director and as Interim Executive Director. Sarah has the knowledge, experience, and passion needed to successfully lead Pyramid Hill. She is a visionary leader with a strong commitment to Pyramid Hill and the Arts in general. I am especially impressed with Sarah’s success in collaborating with other organizations in our community to promote the Arts and provide impactful programming. Pyramid Hill is an important community partner and having Sarah in the Executive Director role enhances our opportunities to strengthen that relationship and build a stronger community.”
About Sarah Templeton Wilson
Ms. Templeton Wilson holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from Miami University, a Master of Arts in Photographic Preservation and Collection Management, from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), and is a doctoral candidate (ABD), in interdisciplinary arts with an emphasis on visual and theatrical arts, from Ohio University.
She is a member of Leadership Hamilton Class of 2024, chair of the We Art Hamilton Arts Roundtable, a member of the Visit Hamilton Board, and past president of the Miami University Alumni Band. She received the Founder’s Award in 2019 from the Miami University Nursing Alumni, and completed the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development, Class of 2019. She currently serves as a Girl Scouts of Western Ohio troop leader, and has been actively involved in mentoring, including co-founding Miami R.E.D. Women.
Ms. Templeton Wilson lives in Colerain with her husband, Kevin Wilson, and their two children, and looks forward to continuing to play an active role in the Hamilton community and the greater Cincinnati and Dayton regions.
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