I enjoy going to the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Museums (AAM).  There are interesting sessions, lots of networking opportunities, reunions with friends (old and new) and this year there is one more cause for celebration in Los Angeles. Nik Honeysett, Head of Administration at J. Paul Getty Museum, has been named to the Board of Directors of AAM.

In terms of full disclosure, Nik and I go way back, I’ve known him since he was a singularly gifted programmer at Cognitive Applications in the mid-1990s. It has been a pleasure to watch his steadily meteoric career after his shift from the vendor world to museums in 2000. Nik’s appointment is a terrific thing for museums, not just for technologists–although admittedly it is great to finally have someone at the board level at AAM who came up through the ranks.  It is fantastic to have someone, like Nik, who understands and has an impressive track record in the strategic implementation of new technologies.

Nik knows how important success is and he knows that failure can sometimes be the best teacher.  He is clear-sighted and he does the right thing.  He raises the bar and invites and inspires others to do their best.

I didn’t start out to write an encomium on Nik Honeysett, okay, maybe I did.  As a friend and colleague I am proud of his success and proud of my professional organization for having the good sense to appoint him to the Board of Directors.

Get the champagne chilled in Los Angeles there is cause for celebration.

Congratulations Nik.