The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine a spotlight on Alana Ryder in our ‘Community Proud’ series sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union.

Alana Ryder brings a thoughtful, community-centered approach to her role as Executive Director of Mystic Museum of Art. Though she has only called Mystic home for a few months, her connection to the region feels deeply rooted. Growing up in New Hampshire and spending years building a career across the country, Alana has now found her way back to New England, drawn in by the coastal beauty, creative energy, and sense of place that defines this area.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning art museums, higher education, and philanthropy, Alana has built a career grounded in access, education, and leadership. Her work has taken her from the Burchfield Penney Art Center, where she curated exhibitions and led public programs, to the Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell, where she collaborated with faculty to teach hundreds of classes using global collections. At the Wexner Center for the Arts at Ohio State, she led major lecture series and taught writing seminars. Most recently, she worked with  Art Bridges Foundation, where she launched a national fellowship program designed to expand diverse leadership within museums.

What stands out most in Alana’s journey is not just where she has worked, but how she has led. She speaks with pride about the teams she has built and the people she has mentored along the way. Supporting others as they grow into their roles in the arts has been one of her most meaningful accomplishments.

That same people-first mindset is shaping her early days in Mystic. Alana is currently focused on listening, meeting with community members, and learning from those around her. She believes trust is built by showing up, asking thoughtful questions, and being open to new perspectives. It is a simple philosophy, but one that carries weight in a community built on relationships.

Her commitment to service extends far beyond her professional work. Over the years, Alana has volunteered with therapeutic horseback riding programs, taught art at a children’s shelter, and supported animal rescue efforts by fostering kittens and walking dogs. She has also been involved in arts programming within correctional facilities, an experience she describes as life-changing.

Now in Mystic, she is eager to continue that spirit of connection. Through partnerships with the Chamber and other local organizations, Mystic Museum of Art is set to be part of several major community events in the coming year, including Pride, the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, the Tarzan Brown Road Race, and the Lighted Boat Parade.

For Alana, inspiration comes from both artists and nature, something she finds in abundance here. The familiar details of the region, from stone walls to the smell of wood-burning fires and views of the water, have created a strong sense of belonging. Her family’s artistic roots in New England make that connection feel even more personal.

Outside of work, she enjoys exploring museums throughout the Northeast, practicing yoga, hosting dinners with her partner Lane, baking, and spending time around horses. She also values staying connected to loved ones, especially in her role as a proud aunt and godmother.

Alana Ryder is already making an impact in Mystic, not by rushing in with answers, but by taking the time to understand the community she now calls home. Her leadership, curiosity, and commitment to connection reflect exactly what it means to be Community Proud.