This event has been postponed until further notice.

The Arlington Museum of Arts has hosted numerous traveling exhibitions since its foundation in 1952. From Salvador Dali, Milton H. Greene’s photographs of Marilyn Monroe to edible art sculptures and film costumes from Pirates of the Caribbean and Phantom of the Opera, the museum continues to evolve in the community. Last year it received the People’s Choice award for North Texas Giving Day. Soon it will have a new home in Arlington’s “Wellspring on Main” project. Join museum President & CEO Chris Hightower and Arlington Mayor Jim Ross for a conversation about the economic impact of the arts which has led to the success of the AMA and the museum’s place in the City’s plan to “bridge the historic gap between town and gown.” The museum is next door to the University of Texas at Arlington, which has the fourth largest percentage of international students in Texas. This event is complimentary for Global Forum members.

About the speakers:

Chris Hightower has been the president & CEO of the Arlington Arts Museum since 2006. He has a bachelor of the arts in history from TCU, a masters of higher education administration, and a doctorate in higher education leadership.

Jim Ross has served as Mayor of the City of Arlington since June 2021 where he has lived for 40 years. After service in the Marine Corps, Ross moved to Texas in 1983 to join the Arlington Police Department and became a member of its first full time Special Operations Unit. In 1999, Ross changed careers and became a licensed attorney. After a decade at a larger law firm, he opened Jim Ross Law Group, P.C. In 2017, Ross opened the Mercury Chophouse in Arlington. Ross has served on the board of directors for the Arlington Police Foundation, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Margarita Society, Special Olympics, and the American Heart Association.

Brent DeRaad is President & CEO of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau since December 2021. DeRaad came to Arlington from Tucson, Arizona where he served as President & CEO of Visit Tucson for 10 years. Prior to serving as President & CEO, he was executive vice president of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of Scottsdale, and Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and the Fiesta Bowl. DeRaad serves as an ex-officio board member for the Hotel Association of Tarrant County, Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, and the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. He previously served as a past board member of Destination Marketing Association of the West and the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association.

Event Information:

6:30 PM Check-in & Reception; 7:00 PM Program