The Heard Museum announced today the appointment of John Coggins as the new chair of its board of trustees. Coggins is the first Indigenous board chair in the organization’s 95-year history and succeeds John F. Lomax, who began his tenure in 2021.

Coggins has been a longtime supporter of the Heard and has served on the board since January 2019. During that time he has been active on several committees, including Finance, Human Resources and the American Indian Advisory Committee, and he just completed a two-year tenure as board vice-chair. Coggins is a member of the Choctaw Nation, and his wife is a member of the Navajo Nation.

“John’s dedication to the Heard’s mission of advancing American Indian art and his support of Indigenous communities, especially in Arizona, has been an inspiration to all of us,” said Heard Museum Dickey Family Director and CEO David M. Roche. “The trustees, staff and volunteers look forward to working with him on successfully implementing on our new strategic plan that will guide us into our Centennial year in 2029.”

Coggins, who has more than 38 years of experience in the energy industry, is the associate general manager and chief power system executive for Salt River Project. SRP provides sustainable, reliable and affordable water and power to more than 2 million people in central Arizona with nearly $4 billion in annual operating revenues. Coggins is responsible for the operation of SRP’s power system, including renewable, hydro, nuclear and fossil-fuel power generation, a high-voltage transmission system and an extensive electrical distribution network.

Duties that Coggins will be responsible for in his new role include representing the board, overseeing board affairs, ensuring compliance of the board bylaws in collaboration with the museum director and CEO, overseeing partnerships with other institutions and more.

“It’s an honor to serve the Heard Museum, a community and national treasure. This position has special meaning for my family and me based on our family heritage,” Coggins said. “There is a deep connection to the art that is so thoughtfully displayed in the galleries and the outdoor sculpture gardens. I am humbled to serve alongside so many talented and committed individuals.”

For more information on the Heard Museum, visit https://heard.org/.