Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D.
High Desert Museum Executive Director
Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., joined the staff of the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon in 2008 and has served as its executive director since 2014. Raised in Oregon, she earned her doctorate from University of Colorado Boulder in biological anthropology, conducting research that took her to Madagascar, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and China. During that time, Dana became inspired by the work museums do to energize and engage visitors with the learning and discovery.
Under Dana’s leadership, the High Desert Museum became a Smithsonian Affiliate, has experienced record attendance, has received accreditation from both the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums—one of only 15 institutions in the country to do so—and earned the prestigious 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Dana was recognized in 2024 with Oregon State University Cascades’ Distinguished Service Award, which honors those who have made exceptional contributions to the region and beyond.
Dana is a board member of the American Alliance of Museums and Art in Public Places, a Central Oregon organization. She’s also the board chair of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon. She’s recently served on the boards of the Western Museums Association, Visit Central Oregon and the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon.
