Devon Akmon became the second director of the Arab American National Museum (AANM) on July 1, 2013, succeeding founding director Dr. Anan Ameri. Akmon joined the AANM as curator of community history shortly before the museum opened in 2005; was promoted to deputy director in 2009; and assumed control of daily operations in 2012. Under his aegis, the AANM was named one of just 160 Affiliates of the Smithsonian Institution and achieved accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, a seal of approval earned by just 6% of America’s cultural institutions. As director, Akmon has established new relationships with individuals and organizations that have resulted in the expansion of the mu...