National Art Education Association (NAEA) has named Laura L. Lott as Executive Director, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on her leadership appointment. She began her tenure on December 15, 2025.
Founded in 1947, NAEA is the leading professional membership organization exclusively for visual arts, design, and media arts educators. NAEA supports thousands of members—including pre–K through high school teachers, college and university educators, museum educators, media artists, teaching artists, and preservice teachers—with advocacy, professional learning, publications, and community-building opportunities. Additionally, NAEA supports thousands of visual arts students through the National Art Honor Societies programs.
With a distinguished career in arts, education, and nonprofit leadership and advocacy, Lott most recently served as administrator and chief operating officer at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Additionally, Lott previously made history as the first female president and chief executive officer of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). At AAM, Lott led dramatic growth in membership, strengthened financial sustainability, expanded national advocacy, and championed groundbreaking diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives to reshape national standards and practices across the museum community. Lott began her career at the National Geographic Society and MCI Foundation, igniting her lifelong passion for supporting innovative K–12 education programs.
NAEA Board of Directors President Cindy Todd expressed enthusiasm over the recent announcement. “As we welcome Laura Lott as our new Executive Director, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the future of NAEA and the communities we serve. Laura’s leadership, vision, and deep commitment align powerfully with our mission to champion creative growth and innovation for all learners. This moment marks an exciting new chapter for NAEA. Together we will strengthen our programs, deepen our partnerships, and broaden our impact. I look forward to working together as we continue building a vibrant future through visual arts, design, and media arts.”
“I am honored to join NAEA and support the educators who help students think, feel, and see in new ways,” said Lott. “Art education builds confidence, fosters empathy, and helps young people make sense of the world. We will lift up teachers, widen access, and spark creative paths for every learner.”
Lott steps into this new role during a time when the demand for creative learning and support for educators has intensified. With research supporting creative activities that boost confidence and lower stress in young learners, the need for arts learning in schools and communities is urgent. With this in mind, Lott’s early priorities will include listening to members, investing in timely professional learning, and strengthening partnerships across K–12, higher education, and museums.
“NAEA will amplify the voices of art educators and make a clear case for arts learning in every community,” Lott added.
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning and research services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities across the United States and Canada to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise.