American Visionary Art Museum Announces Appointment of Three Distinguished New Board Members

BALTIMORE, MD — The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) is pleased to announce the appointment of three accomplished leaders to its Board of Directors: Jim Conley, Dr. Elfreda Winstead Massie, and Jason A.L. Timoll. Their respective expertise in law, education, nonprofit governance, and strategic leadership will further strengthen the museum’s commitment to visionary art, community engagement, and institutional excellence.

“We could not be more honored and delighted to welcome these new Board members who bring an extraordinary depth of professional experience and a shared commitment to service and passion for all that AVAM represents,” said Executive Director Ellen Owens. “Their insight and leadership will be invaluable as the American Visionary Art Museum continues to evolve, broaden access, and champion the power of art to inspire, give voice to our common aspirations, and connect communities.”

Jim Conley

Jim Conley is President & CEO of Bert Davis Executive Search, where he leads senior-level executive searches across the Publishing and Education Technology sectors, partnering closely with boards and senior leadership teams. He brings a broad entrepreneurial background, having co-founded and operated multiple successful hospitality businesses with a focus on operations, marketing, and strategic growth. Born and raised in South Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood, he is a lifelong musician who plays piano and sings in a band. 

Mr. Conley stated: “I’m thrilled to be part of an institution that has long been a cornerstone of the arts in a neighborhood I continue to hold dear. I look forward to drawing on my personal and professional experience to help support the museum’s continued strength, growth, and impact.”

Dr. Elfreda Winstead Massie

Dr. Elfreda Winstead Massie is a nationally-recognized education leader with more than four decades of experience driving innovation across public education systems, nonprofit organizations, and workforce development initiatives. Her executive leadership roles span both the public and private sectors, including serving as Interim Superintendent for DC Public Schools and as Vice President for K–12 Strategy at Class Technologies. 

“The creative artistry showcased at the American Visionary Art Museum is both inspiring and deeply moving, inviting me to see the world—and humanity—through new lenses. I am excited to work alongside Ellen Owens and the museum community to help amplify these voices and sustain its extraordinary impact.”

Dr. Massie also served as a Distinguished National Faculty member at the National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE), where she trained school superintendents and principals nationwide in system design and instructional leadership. She is currently an Associate with Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, supporting school systems through executive search, board development, and strategic planning.

A published author and dedicated community advocate, Dr. Massie brings deep expertise in systems change, leadership development, and educational equity. Her experience in organizational transformation and talent development will help guide AVAM as it continues to expand its educational programming and deepen its community impact. 

Jason A.L. Timoll

Jason A.L. Timoll has practiced law in Baltimore for more than 20 years, focusing primarily on catastrophic personal injury litigation. A graduate of the Boys Latin School of Maryland, Dickinson College, and the Washington and Lee University School of Law, Mr. Timoll brings a strong foundation in legal scholarship and civic leadership to AVAM’s Board.

Mr. Timoll stated: “In this moment, we should all be intentional about finding our commonality again.  This is often best achieved through artistic expression and live music.  I am excited to join AVAM’s forward-thinking journey toward broadening our community footprint, sharing our inspirational programming for adults and children and inviting more of our neighbors to come experience all the humanistic expressions and stories that make our museum magic.”

Throughout his career, Mr. Timoll has demonstrated a sustained commitment to public service and nonprofit governance. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Public Justice Center and the Center for Emerging Media. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Boys Latin School of Maryland, continuing his longstanding engagement in educational leadership and community advancement.

Mr. Timoll’s legal expertise and governance experience will support AVAM’s strategic oversight and long-term sustainability as it advances its mission to celebrate and preserve the work of self-taught, intuitive artists.

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The American Visionary Art Museum, a Congressionally-designated national museum and education center dedicated to intuitive, self-taught artistry, has been consistently hailed by leading news, travel and trade publications as among the most desirable destinations in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. CNN declared that AVAM is "one of the most fantastic museums anywhere in America.”  In both 2023 and 2024, Baltimore Sun Readers voted AVAM #1 in the categories of Museum, Tourist Attraction, Gallery, and Wedding Venue; and in 2024 and 2025 Baltimore Magazine readers voted AVAM as Best Art Museum and Best Exhibition (for “If You Build It They Will Come).