The Cleveland Museum of Art Appoints Tiara L. Paris as Margaret and Loyal Wilson Chief Exhibition, Design, and Publications Officer

Cleveland, OH (October 1, 2025)—The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) today announced the appointment of Tiara L. Paris as Margaret and Loyal Wilson Chief Exhibition, Design, and Publications Officer, following a national search. 

In this senior leadership role, Paris will oversee the museum’s exhibition program, publications, and design initiatives. Working in close collaboration with the museum’s leadership team, she will strengthen areas central to the CMA’s strategic plan and mission. 

Paris brings more than two decades of experience in exhibition planning, design, and related projects. After starting her career at the CMA, she returns to Cleveland with a track record of success in the development and execution of multiyear exhibition programs, budget oversight, exhibition design, and publications. 

For the past seven years, Paris has served as head of exhibition planning at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, in Kansas City, Missouri, where she oversaw a comprehensive exhibition program and strengthened cross-departmental collaboration. Previously, she was director of exhibitions at the North Carolina Museum of Art, in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she implemented the museum’s first comprehensive exhibition-planning structure and served for more than 12 years. Her museum career began at the Cleveland Museum of Art where she was an exhibitions fellow in 2004 and 2005. 

“Tiara brings an exceptional blend of organizational strength and disciplined leadership that will guide and inform the future of the museum’s vibrant and successful exhibition program,” said William M. Griswold, the CMA’s Sarah S. and Alexander M. Cutler Director. “Her creativity and planning will ensure that our exhibitions continue to inspire visitors, while adhering to the highest standards.” 

Paris earned an MA in art history and museum studies from Case Western Reserve University and a BA from the University of Northern Colorado. She is currently a member of the steering committee of the American Exhibition Organizers, a peer-led organization of art museum exhibition organizers promoting best practices in exhibition management.  

“The Cleveland Museum of Art has always held a special place in my heart—from my time as a graduate student studying directly from its world-class collection to my first professional museum role,” said Paris. “It is rare to have the opportunity to return to one’s roots, and I am excited to partner with the director, leadership team, and staff to contribute to the museum’s remarkable legacy and future.” 

Her appointment begins January 5, 2026. 

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About the Cleveland Museum of Art 

The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 63,000 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The museum is a significant international forum for exhibitions, scholarship, and performing arts and is a leader in digital innovations. One of the top comprehensive art museums in the nation, recognized for its award-winning open access program and free of charge to all, the Cleveland Museum of Art is located in the University Circle neighborhood. 

The museum is supported in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and made possible in part by the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. For more information about the museum and its holdings, programs, and events, call 888-CMA-0033 or visit cma.org.