Dyan Seaburg, a long-time City of Mesa employee with a stellar record of leading teams, has been named interim executive director of the i.d.e.a. Museum. Seaburg’s addition will allow the existing leadership team to focus on exhibitions and programs while the city seeks out a permanent replacement for its longtime leader, Sunnee O’Rork, who retired in January.
Seaburg has worked for the City for 25 years, starting at the Mesa Convention Center and Amphitheatre, and has had continuously increasing responsibilities. Cindy Ornstein, director of the Arts and Culture Department for the City of Mesa and the director of the Mesa Arts Center, recently announced Seaburg’s addition to the team.
“We’ve had a fantastic working relationship with Dyan over the years. She knows and understands the needs of our community, and we’re proud to have her on our team,” said Ornstein.
Curator Jeffory Morris and Interim Executive Director Dyan Seaburg review plans for the museum’s atrium renovation.
Ornstein noted the addition allows Curator Jeffory Morris, who had taken on additional operational responsibilities after O’Rork’s retirement, to focus on the museum’s atrium renovation and building the museum’s summer/fall exhibition. Seaburg will oversee day-to-day operations at the museum, which is currently open at limited capacity and with timed entries Thursday through Sunday.
Seaburg comes from the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department as the Commercial Facilities Administrator. She has oversight of the Mesa Convention Center, Mesa Amphitheatre, Dobson Ranch Golf Course and Mesa Cemetery.
Said Ornstein: “I want to send an enormous thank you to Jeffory for his leadership and hard work since Sunnee O’Rork’s retirement, and before. He’s been critical to sustaining the management of the museum, fulfilling three key roles simultaneously. His continued leadership will be essential in supporting Dyan, the staff and board during this transition, and I thank him for his devotion and hard work.”