California African American Museum names George Davis as new executive director

The California African American Museum in Los Angeles announced on Friday that its board of directors has named George Davis as the institution’s new executive director.

Davis served as the state museum’s interim leader for three months following the departure last year of executive director Charmaine Jefferson, who left the museum after 11 years.

Davis previously served as a state-appointed board member, starting in 1999. His professional career has been mainly in broadcast and digital, having founded Davis Broadband Group, a digital distribution consulting firm, in 2001.

Following Jefferson’s resignation last year, the museum was led on an interim basis by Patrick Kemp, followed by Davis.

“After careful selection and review of nationwide candidates, Davis’ three months as CAAM’s interim executive director proved he was the best candidate for this position,” said board president Todd Hawkins in a release on Friday.

The museum, which offers free admission to the public, focuses on African American history and culture, with an emphasis on California and the Western U.S.

CAAM is located in Exposition Park near two much larger neighbors -- the California Science Center and the Natural History Museum of L.A. County. The majority of the museum’s operating budget comes from the state, with the remainder coming from a nonprofit foundation. California’s governor also appoints board members to the museum.

Davis’ other board positions have included an appointment to the California State Bar Board of Governors, and New Directions, an organization to help veterans and their families.

His responsibilities at the museum as executive director will include strategic planning, budget management and outreach development to park officials and other partners.

Twitter: @DavidNgLAT