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Jul 29, 20242 min read

Crystal Bridges and the Momentary Announce New Chief Impact Officer

byCrystal Bridges Communications
Susan Peacock
A woman with dark hair smiling in Eleven at Crystal Bridges in a black jacket with gold buttons

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary today announced the appointment of Susan Peacock as Chief Impact Officer. With Crystal Bridges set to unveil a substantial expansion in 2026, establishing the Chief Impact Officer role signals an important effort to strengthen the institution’s reach in Arkansas, nationally, and globally.

Peacock’s role will focus on strategic partnerships, key initiatives, revenue generation and mission-aligned collaborations. She will join the Executive Council, leading the Development and Membership teams.

For many years, Peacock worked as vice president of Board Chair Olivia Walton’s company, Ingeborg, where she led external relations, public policy, business engagement and philanthropic initiatives, including those connected with Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.

“As Crystal Bridges and the Momentary continue to grow, it is vital for our work to remain aligned with our mission, vision, and values in new and innovative ways. Creating the new role of Chief Impact Officer will do just that," said Rod Bigelow, executive director and chief diversity and inclusion officer for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary. “Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience to Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. Her expertise in public policy, business engagement, and philanthropic initiatives is unmatched.”

“Crystal Bridges is more than a museum; it serves as a platform for important, inclusive conversations and a catalyst for positive change in our state, region and world,” said Peacock. “I am honored to join the dynamic and well-respected team at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary and excited to play a pivotal role in advancing the museum’s mission and building upon its robust partnerships.”

Peacock brings more than two decades of experience, spanning donor and government relations, fundraising and communications. She has received presidential and gubernatorial appointments. She also holds executive board positions with the Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas, supporting one of the largest health systems in the United States, and Heartland Action, which focuses on improving internet access and adoption across multiple states.

Peacock begins her new role at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary on Monday, August 12.

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About Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 15 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission.

Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization by philanthropist Alice Walton. The collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions.

The museum is nestled on 134 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by the world-renowned Safdie Architects. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015.

Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities, and is the home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program.

Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and five miles of art and walking trails.

Crystal Bridges' 114,000 square foot expansion will open to the public June 6 and 7, 2026, allowing the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.

Media Contact

media@crystalbridges.org

About the Momentary

Opened in February 2020 in Downtown Bentonville, the Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality.

The institution serves as an extension of Crystal Bridges and functions as a community gathering space. It features programming including live music performances, visual and performing arts, artist residencies, and culinary experiences. The venue provides free general admission and offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for events.

The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street in Bentonville, Arkansas.