DALLAS — The George W. Bush Presidential Center announced today that Dana Ayres has joined the organization as the Ken Hersh Family director of the George W. Bush Presidential Museum. In this role, she will oversee museum operations, exhibitions, educational programs, and volunteer management.
“The Ken Hersh Family director position honors the legacy and decade of service of the Bush Center’s former CEO, Ken Hersh,” said Shilo Brooks, President and CEO of the Bush Center. “Dana’s leadership in this role marks an exciting new chapter for the Bush Museum. As we enter a new era, we remain committed to preserving American history, while inspiring curiosity and fostering healthy discourse around the topics that shape our world.”
Prior to joining the Bush Center, Ayres served as the vice president for program services and donor relations at SMU. She oversaw daily operations of the Tate Lecture Series, SMU Athletic Forum, and the Doak Walker Award, as well as other fundraising and donor activities for SMU. In addition, she served as one of the primary liaisons with the Bush Center, fostering collaborative initiatives.
“I am thrilled to join the Bush Center and work alongside such a dedicated team committed to civic education and public engagement,” stated Ayres. “I look forward to helping advance the Bush Center’s mission and values through the work of the Bush Museum.”
Dana is actively engaged in the Dallas community and serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Junior League of Dallas, on an administrative committee at Highland Park United Methodist Church, and is chair-elect of the annual fund at Good Shepherd Episcopal School. Ayres received her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Business Administration from SMU.
Under her leadership, the George W. Bush Presidential Museum will continue to showcase the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion through a permanent exhibit that takes visitors through President and Mrs. Bush’s time in office and a rotating variety of special exhibits. The current special exhibit, Game Changer: United by Sports, presented by Garry Weber, brings to life the power of sports in bridging divides and fostering unity across cultures through rare artifacts and inspiration stories. Open now through January 2027.
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George W. Bush Presidential Center
Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration. Learn more about the Bush Center at bushcenter.org.
