Trent Riley has excelled in development and leadership positions in museums and nonprofit cultural organizations for more than a decade. As chief development officer, he leads the Development department and directs Oklahoma Contemporary’s fundraising efforts in support of its institutional mission, programs, special projects and operations.
At the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Trent contributed to generating more than $30 million in revenue over the span of eight years. He has also worked for state and local museums, providing support in historical research, interpretation and exhibition development.
Trent holds a B.A. and M.A. in history from Oklahoma State University. As a historian and author, he has contributed to numerous publications and received national recognition for his work in Publishers Weekly, as well as being named a finalist for the 2019 Oklahoma Book Award. He is a member of multiple local and national organizations and currently serves on the board of Upward Transitions. Trent also volunteers at organizations such as Positive Tomorrows, where he is a student mentor. He currently resides in downtown Oklahoma City with his wife, Blakely, and son, Archie.
Email: development (at) okcontemp.org
