Virginia Shearer, currently director of education at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, has been named executive director of the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design. Shearer's tenure will begin on Aug. 30, 2021.

In her current role, Shearer oversees all areas of the High Museum's department of education, and is one of six members of an executive team that sets strategic priorities for the museum. She holds a B.A. in humanities from Florida State University and a M.A. in museum education from George Washington University. She is also a past participant of the Getty Leadership Institute program and the Getty's education program for museum leaders, and has also served as the southeast regional director for the museum education division of the National Arts Education Association.

Shearer replaces previous executive director Anne-Marie Russell, who left the museum in March.