Anthony “Tony” Basché will be the new executive director of the L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum, it was announced by Debbie Skehen, president of the museum board.

Basché will assume his duties effective Aug. 1.

“Tony is extremely well qualified and was the unanimous choice of our selection committee,” Skehen said. “He has a strong background in marketing and wide ranging experience including that of marketing director at the Phoenix Art Museum.”

During his 10-year tenure at the art museum, average yearly attendance nearly doubled and membership increased from 5,500 to 26,000 families. He also served as president of the Central Arizona Museum Association.

“Tony’s experience includes corporate and agency advertising, consumer behavior research and consulting,” Skehen said.

Basché received an undergraduate degree from Notre Dame and a graduate degree from Northwestern University, and served in the U. S. Army Intelligence.

He will be replacing Judy Confer, who is retiring as of Aug. 31. She will remain affiliated with the museum as liaison to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. She has served as the museum’s executive director since its opening 10 years ago.

Skehen said, “I urge our museum members and non-members alike to come to our annual Italian dinner on August 10 and meet Tony.”

The dinner will be held in the Community Center beginning at 5 p.m. and features live entertainment and live and silent auctions. Advance tickets are now on sale at the museum and several retail locations.

For more information visit the museum website at riveroftimemuseum.org and click on “Special Event.”