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James Burns, Ph.D., is an experienced arts and cultural leader with a diverse background in museum administration, advising, and educational policy. Currently serving as an Advisor at First Place AZ and Principal & Creative Director at Cypress & Sage Advising, James has held significant leadership positions, including Executive Director at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West and the Arizona Historical Society, where operational and strategic development was a key focus. James’s previous roles include Interim Director at the Center for Creative Photography, Director of the University of Arizona Museum of Art, Executive Director of Desert Caballeros Western Museum, and Curator of History at the Tempe History Museum. Academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from Georgia State University and an MA in Public History from Arizona State University.