As the Portland Art Museum enters a period of transition after longtime director Brian Ferriso ended his distinguished 19-year tenure November 28, the Museum is guided by a co-interim leadership team deeply rooted in its history, mission, and community. Karie Burch, Chief Development Officer; Gareth Nevitt, Chief Financial Officer; and Don Urquhart, Director of Collections and Exhibitions, step into this role with a shared commitment to stewardship, collaboration, and the belief that PAM’s strength comes from an exceptional staff and an engaged community.
Together, the three leaders bring more than 55 years of experience at the Portland Art Museum. This tenure brings not only institutional knowledge but also confidence in the Museum’s future. “Our donors, members, and supporters are the foundation that carries us forward,” said Burch. “That collective generosity continues to make the Museum’s work possible.”
With the support of the board, staff, and members, the Museum remains on a solid financial footing, and fiscal responsibility will continue to guide decision-making. “It’s an honor to help steward the Museum during this moment,” said Nevitt. “Fiscal responsibility and transparency remain core values for us.”
The Museum’s work is carried forward by teams across Collections, Exhibitions, Learning, and Curatorial, whose dedication and expertise shape every visitor experience. “Their passion, commitment, and expertise are what make this Museum so special,” said Urquhart. Individuals like Julia Dolan, Minor White Senior Curator of Photography, exemplify the depth of talent and leadership within the institution, and we are pleased that she has assumed the interim chief curator role.
Leading together, Burch, Nevitt, and Urquhart are committed to continuity, thoughtful collaboration, and keeping art at the center of everything the Portland Art Museum does. Learn more about them below.
Karie Burch
Karie Burch has been with the Museum since 2007 and has led its philanthropy through fundraising and strategic partnerships that support long-term growth and sustainability. She brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership and in connecting people to the Museum’s mission. Under her leadership, the Museum completed the historic $146 million Connection Campaign, which funded the recent campus transformation. She is committed to supporting the people and partnerships that make the Museum’s work possible and to advancing the role of arts and culture in the community.
Gareth Nevitt
Gareth joined the Portland Art Museum in 2008 and since then has been responsible for its financial management through the great recession, repaying previous construction loans, weathering the pandemic, and financing the construction of the Rothko Pavilion. He began his career with 14 years in public accounting, and prior to coming to the Museum, he served as the COO of the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Donald Urquhart
Don joined the Museum in 2004 to complete the renovation of the Mark Building and to grow its ambitious exhibition program. Trained in Museum Studies and shaped by experience in museums across California and Washington, he leads a talented team dedicated to collection stewardship, exhibitions, learning, and community engagement. He is deeply committed to building strong relationships, cultivating international partnerships, and developing people and teams across the Museum. He brings curiosity, passion, and a constant eye toward what comes next.
