The Board of Directors of the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is delighted to announce the appointment of Tracy Cosgrove as the museum’s new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025.
“Paris Gibson Square Museum of Artis an exceptional cultural asset to the Great Falls community and the state of Montana, and its mission inspire and promote contemporary art is its great strength,” said Cosgrove. “I am both honored and privileged to join as its next Executive Director.”
Cosgrove brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, with an accomplished background in arts administration, philanthropy, finance, and social justice. Most recently Cosgrove served as Finance Director at the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts. She previously spent a decade as Associate Director for Finance and Advancement at the Missoula Art Museum, and before that, served as Chief Operating Officer at Forward Montana.
“I believe that the transformative power of art and its experience in the museum setting should be available to all, and I am excited to work with The Square’s board and staff to leverage the museum’s success to amplify its impact in all areas—exhibitions, education and programming, collections, and ongoing preservation of the historic building, “said Cosgrove.
Her commitment to mission-driven service extends to state, regional, and national levels, including current service on the Board of the Montana Community Foundation. She has also held leadership and board roles with Montana Conservation Voters, the Social Justice Fund (Seattle), the Jeannette Rankin Foundation (Georgia), YWCA USA (Washington, D.C.), and the Minnesota Women’s Consortium.
Cosgrove’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Minnesota, and accounting studies at the University of Montana—a multidisciplinary foundation that reflects her strategic, people-centered approach to leadership.
We are thrilled to welcome Tracy Cosgrove to The Square and to the Great Falls community,” said Tess Jacobs, President of the Board of Directors. “Tracy’s extensive background in the arts, finance, and development—combined with her strategic leadership and deep commitment to institutional excellence—makes her the perfect person to lead us into our next era.”
Cosgrove’s appointment follows a comprehensive eight-month national search period which began in October 2024 and led by the museum’s Executive Director Search Committee. The process was intentionally inclusive, engaging staff, board members, and community stakeholders.
“Our hiring process was deeply collaborative,” said Jacobs. ““We listened to a broad range of voices about the qualities needed in our next leader—not just for the museum, but for the larger creative ecosystem here in Montana. Tracy stood out as the clear and compelling choice. We’re confident she will lead with clarity, creativity, and care.”
During the eight-month transition period, Nicole Maria Evans, the museum’s Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs since June 2019, served as Interim Executive Director. Her leadership helped sustain operations and provided steady guidance while working in close partnership with staff, board, and community to maintain momentum and prepare the organization for its next phase.
“The entire team is excited to welcome Tracy and begin this new chapter,” said Evans. “Serving as Interim Director gave me an even deeper appreciation for the important work we all do here at The Square. Tracy’s leadership style, values, and vision already align beautifully with our mission. She will bring fresh energy and insight from day one.”
The museum also wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Sarah Justice, who served as Executive Director from January 2020 (Interim September 2019) to October 2024 after joining the museum as Education Director in July 2017. Justice’s tenure was marked by institutional growth and the historic preservation of the 1895 Central School attic space and exterior windows.
With Cosgrove’s forward-thinking leadership and the continued dedication of its exceptional team, the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art looks ahead to a bold and inspiring future. Join us in welcoming Tracy Cosgrove, the New Executive Director at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art.
