Pacific museum group appoints a new president

The board of the Pacific Islands Museums Association recently appointed a new president, Joseph Artero-Cameron, to lead them for the next three years. His appointment is timely as PIMA gears itself for the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts to be held in Guam in 2016. PIMA will be hosting an international museum conference at this large regional Pacific cultural event. PIMA members include more than 45 museums and cultural centers in the Pacific, as well as non-profit organizations, corporate members, and individuals who support the vision, aims, and activities of the organization.

In welcoming his new appointment, Artero-Cameron said, “As the new PIMA President, I welcome this role with an endless passion and commitment to elevating our association with a window of opportunity to address myriads of disciplines and renewed synergy in museology. As the president of Guam Museum and a member for the board of directors for Guam Museum Foundation, Inc., I bring with me international and regional experience to fit this role with PIMA.”

Past PIMA president Adi Meretui Ratunabuabua shares similar sentiments. “He is a leader who is actively engaged with many museums throughout the United States and a member in good standing with the American Alliance of Museums in Washington, D.C. As a PIMA board member, we look forward to working with Artero-Cameron as he leads our organization to the future.”

Artero-Cameron is a native of Guam. He is currently president of the Department of Chamorro Affairs. Artero-Cameron also directs four Government of Guam agencies/departments and is lead adviser for the Guam governor on ocean matters. He works closely with other ocean scientists, federal, state and local stakeholders spanning the jurisdictions of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, Hawaii, CNMI, and American Samoa.

“The variety of experiences he brings to this role will be beneficial not only to PIMA but to other regional and international organizations that PIMA is part of,” said PIMA trustee Professor Amareswar Galla. “Even though PIMA’s mission is to firstly promote the work of museums in the Pacific, the vast experience that Artero-Cameron holds as the executive director for Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, executive director for Hagåtña Restoration and Redevelopment Authority, director of the Guam Public Library System, and president of Guam Public Broadcasting System will also be beneficial for PIMA.”

Artero-Cameron is the head of delegation for the 2016 Festival of Pacific Arts to be held in Guam. (PIMA)