Ethicist, educator, strategic advisor and Master of Melbourne University’s Ormond College, Dr Rufus Black has been named as the new President of the Museums Board of Victoria.
Announcing the appointment today, Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said Dr Black’s extensive career history and high level strategic experience in the private, public and social sectors will be an asset to Australia’s largest public museum organisation.
Before his current role at Ormond, Dr Black spent nine years at McKinsey & Company where he was a partner serving clients in Australia and Asia. He continues his commercial interests as a Director of law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
His social and educational sector experience includes being the Deputy Chancellor of Victoria University, the founding Chair of the Board of the Teach for Australia Board and a Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.
Dr Black is a Principal Fellow in both the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Management and Marketing at the University of Melbourne. He holds degrees in law, politics, economics, ethics and theology from the University of Melbourne and Oxford University where studied as a Rhodes Scholar.
He takes on the post from Professor Margaret Gardner AO who has led the Museums Board since 2008.
Dr Black will commence his three year term in July.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Museum Victoria is an incredibly diverse organisation. It presents blockbuster exhibitions, programs for all ages, it undertakes ground-breaking international research, and it cares for items ranging from Phar Lap’s hide to the UNESCO world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building.”
“Rufus Black’s equally diverse career experience will be invaluable to the Museums Board as it works to build our museum’s reach and impact both locally and internationally.”
“I acknowledge and thank Professor Margaret Gardner for eight years of leadership during which she has steered the growth and success of Museum Victoria and positioned it ready to enter its next chapter.”
Quotes attributable to incoming Museums Board of Victoria President Dr Rufus Black
“For thousands of people every year, Museum Victoria brings the past to life, illuminates the world through the lens of science and gives us a glimpse of the future.”
“Museum Victoria educates, enchants and excites. It tells important stories to help us understand who we are, where we have come from and where are going. These stories enrich our lives and help us to have important public conversations.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020