Devon M. Akmon
Professional Experience
Arab American National Museum, Dearborn, MI: October 2009-Present
Deputy Director
- Manage internal operations, including supervising staff, identifying and monitoring critical deadlines, coordinating workflow, identifying areas of need, and evaluating progress and making adjustments as necessary
- Work with Director and development staff to secure the financial stability of the organization and its long term sustainability including maintaining and expanding current sources of funding as well as expanding the endowment
- Assist the Director, Development staff, and Fiscal Office in planning and implementing the business plans and fiscal operations
- Assist with strategic planning, evaluating organizational needs, and developing goals and objectives in coordination with Museum senior staff
- Ensure that all policies and procedures are measurable and implemented accordingly
- Supervise human resource management systems necessary for efficient operations, including evaluation, promotions, and changes in staff job duties
- Train, coach, and counsel staff in the areas of customer service, team building, time management, conflict resolution, professional development, leadership, and communication
- Create and implement methods to achieve customer satisfaction
- Develop an evaluation procedure for assessing patron and member satisfaction
- Build relationships and collaborations with other museums, educational institutions, and community-based organizations
Arab American National Museum, Dearborn, MI: May 2005-September 2009
Curator of Community History
- Conducted informed research
- Wrote exhibition scripts and label text, as well as pamphlets and exhibit guides
- Led new media and web-based initiatives
- Researched, designed, fabricated, and coordinated exhibits for display at the museum
- Assisted with strategic planning and implementing capacity building programs
- Built relationships and collaborations with other museums, educational institutions, and community-based organizations
- Designed marketing and promotional materials
- Presented at professional conferences
MotorCities National Heritage Area, Detroit, Michigan: April 2004-August 2004
Research Intern
- Conducted informed research
- Photographed and inventoried historical/cultural resources
- Provided content for an online resource database
Education
Master of Science in Historic Preservation Planning, Eastern Michigan University, May 2006
- Sigma Pi Kappa, International Honor Society
- Preservation Eastern, Director (Graduate student professional organization)
Bachelor of Arts in Art History, Michigan State University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Michigan State University, May 2000
Professional Committees
Community Leadership
- Board Member, Heritage Works, Detroit, MI February 2010 – Present
- Volunteer Tutor, Detroit Reading Corps (Detroit Public Schools), Detroit, MI January 2010 – Present
- Master Gardener, Michigan State University Extension, Wayne County May 2008 – Present
- Board Chair, Project Grow, Ann Arbor, MI September 2007 – October 2009
- Crisler Arena Coordinator, First Aid Support Team (F.A.S.T.), Washtenaw Co. Chapter of the American Red Cross September 2008 – October 2009
- Design Committee, East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority, City of Dearborn, MI 2007
- Broadway Historic District Study Committee, City of Ann Arbor, MI January 2007 – January 2008
Specialized Training
Awards and Recognition
- Emerging Museum Professionals Fellowship, American Association of Museums, 2008
- Diversity Fellowship, American Association of Museums, 2006
- Keepers Preservation Fund Fellowship, Society of Architectural Historians, 2005
- Diversity Scholarship, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2004
Last updated on March 09, 2010.