Dr. James Burns, Executive Director, is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Michael Zirulnik as Development Director for the museum. In his new role, which began on February 2nd, Dr. Zirulnik will be responsible for engaging locally, regionally, and across the country, with philanthropic interests to establish Western Spirit as the premier opportunity to support western art, culture and its’ lifestyle across Western America.
Dr. Zirulnik comes to Western Spirit as an experienced professional with two decades of involvement in intersecting industries including higher education, health care, aviation, and the arts. As a teammate and innovative thinker, leader, and administrator, Dr. Zirulnik works to develop people, policies, processes, and organizations that serve diverse communities for the good of humanity.
About this new position, Dr. Zirulnik said, “I am eager to secure new opportunities that will continue to elevate Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West as the premier storyteller of the American West. I look forward to working with this exceptional team as we take the institution to new heights.”
“Every day we are working on building our reputation as a welcoming place for visitors of all backgrounds,” said James Burns, Executive Director, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. “Dr. Zirulnik’s background in communications, grant writing, community building, most recently at ASU, is exactly what we need as we begin the next phase in Western Spirit’s growth,” added Burns.
He holds a BSc. and MCIS from Rutgers University and a Ph.D. from Arizona State University. He and his family reside in Central Phoenix.