Steven High Appointed to American Alliance of Museum’s Accreditation Commission

August 25, 2023 – Sarasota

he Ringling today announces the appointment of its Executive Director, Steven High, to the Accreditation Commission of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). 

The AAM Accreditation Program—considered the gold standard for museum excellence for over 50 years—relies on the dedication and collective experience of the Accreditation Commission. These committed volunteers make decisions regarding a museum’s accreditation status and provide leadership to the field to ensure that museums are aligned with their own missions, changing communities, and with the complex environment in which they operate and serve the public.

Commissioners self-nominate and are appointed by the AAM Board Chair based on recommendations from a nominating committee comprised of representatives from the AAM Board, Accreditation Commission, and several discipline-specific organizations. This year’s nominating committee received 78 applications for only 6 spots.

“I am honored to be selected by the Nominating Committee to join the Accreditation Commission,” says Steven High. “Earning accreditation is an important distinction of excellence for museums and I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to uphold the standards for accreditation set forth by AAM.”

High has been a member of AAM for more than 30 years and served on the AAM Board of Directors from 2006-2009. Over his career he has achieved re-accreditation for the Nevada Museum of Art and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and has been an Accreditation Peer Reviewer for 15 years.