The former executive director of the NW Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Forrest Rodgers is an experienced executive known for strengthening cultural institutions and guiding organizations through periods of positive change. With a background that spans higher education, nonprofit leadership, and museum management in cities like Spokane, Forrest Rodgers is skilled in strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement.

Most recently, Forrest Rodgers was the executive director of the Moab Museum in Moab, Utah. He was recruited to turn around a six-decade-old museum facing challenges. He developed a long-term business model for the museum, established a $3.5 Million operating reserve fund, led renovations of a 30-year-old facility, redesigned exhibit experience, and built staff capacity. These increased the museum’s profile and audiences, earning statewide recognition, including the Utah Historical Society’s 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award.

At the NW Museum of Arts & Culture, Forrest Rodgers personally secured multiple gifts for exhibits and school programs while managing all museum departments and enhancing visitors’ experiences. Previously, as president and CEO of High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon, Mr. Rodgers led a $23.5 million capital campaign and major facility expansion. He stabilized finances and reversed more than a decade of declining attendance. He further secured gifts to reduce post-construction debt from $3.3 million to $1.8 million.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Rodgers held senior administrative roles at Oregon State University and Willamette University. He has a BA from Pacific University (served as student body president) and an MBA from Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management.