Butler Institute of American Art names new associate director

The Butler Institute of American Art in downtown Youngstown has a new associate director.

According to the release, trustees of the Butler unanimously approved the promotion of Amy Craft Klassen as Associate Director. Klassen will be responsible for the Butler's primary administrative duties alongside Executive Director Dr. Lou Zona.

Her promotion will allow Dr. Zona to focus on donor relations, museum exhibitions, art education programs and community outreach.

Klassen has been with the Butler since 2024 as Director of Museum Operations. She was hired at the recommendation of Dr. Zona.

Prior to joining the Butler, Klassen was the Executive Director of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum in St. Augustine, Florida. Before that, she was the Director and Executive Secretary of the Allen County Museum and Historical Society in Lima, Ohio.