Washington, DC—The National Gallery of Art announced today that Robert Stein will become the museum’s new chief information officer. Stein will lead the Digital Solutions Division within the Office of the Treasurer and be responsible for implementing innovative technology solutions for a diverse global audience and for the staff of the National Gallery. Currently the deputy director and chief experience officer at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Stein will begin his tenure at the National Gallery on January 16, 2023.

As chief information officer, Stein will establish and implement a new IT strategy for the National Gallery that aligns with our mission and will oversee the delivery of technology and data analytics platforms and services required to meet that mission. As part of the museum’s senior leadership team, Stein will bring his knowledge and experience in museums to apply leading-edge technology in business model design, business processes reengineering, products and services development, and overall IT support across the museum.

“Rob is a recognized leader in the cultural sector’s technology and data analytics field. His experience is well aligned with our mission to welcome all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity,” said William W. McClure, treasurer of the National Gallery of Art. “I am delighted to welcome Rob to our museum, where he will be able to apply his passion for audience experience and data to our strategic priorities for the coming years.”

“I have long had a passion for the role that museums and art can play in connecting us more deeply to each other and our shared histories. At the same time, we’ve all seen how technology continues to change the way we exist in the world and how we learn about the people around us,” Stein said. “I couldn’t be more excited to join the National Gallery in this role as we work to apply all that technology can do for the mission of welcoming all people and helping them explore works of art together.”

Robert Stein

Stein brings deep experience as a senior IT and strategy leader in museums and other cultural institutions. In his current role as deputy director and chief experience officer at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Stein leads the knowledge management initiative and its associated community of practice to unlock content repositories, expand staff digital literacy, and create sustainable technology systems and platforms. He is also a leader in the field of how data and analytics practices can enhance museum performance. Before joining the Milwaukee Art Museum in 2021, Stein served in senior technology and program leadership positions at Shedd Aquarium, American Alliance of Museums, Dallas Museum of Art, and Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Stein received his BS in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.