Chris Dyer – D.A. “Andy” Anderson Award

 

Chris Dyer served as CEO of the Arts Council from 2010-2018. During his tenure the Arts Council raised and distributed over $3.2 million in direct funding support to area arts organizations, established the College Arts Scholarship program that has awarded over $100,000 to Brazos Valley students, and via the generosity of the Arts Council’s closest supporters, opened a new regional arts facility. Dyer is most proud of the many close personal relationships forged and impactful programs created during his time in B/CS including the Arts Council’s Artist in Residency program, Empty Bowls, Jr., and the STARs volunteer corps.

 

Dyer currently serves as President and CEO of the Dr Pepper Museum in his hometown of Waco. Under his leadership, the museum has ascended to national prominence including recognition with the American Association of State & Local History’s Award of Excellence and the Texas Historical Commission Award of Excellence in Preserving History. The Dr Pepper Museum has attracted over 3 million visitors and features the most extensive soft drink memorabilia collection in the world, including 80,000 sf of National Register listed historic structures. The museum has a staff of 65 employees and is open seven days a week, year-round. 

 

He is a strong advocate for Texas museums and has served as adjunct professor for the Baylor University Department of Museum Studies and President for both Texas Association of Museums and Museum Association of Waco. Dyer chairs the Downtown Public Improvement District Board, is the Membership Chair of the Central Texas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and serves on the Waco Convention Center & Visitors Bureau Commission. Dyer has been recognized for his professional efforts and community involvement with the Texas Historical Commission’s John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums, Texas Art Education Association Texas Friend of the Arts Award, Bryan-College Station Hometown Hero Award, China Spring ISD Education Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award, and the African American National Heritage Society Distinguished Community Service Award.

 

Chris earned his BA from Baylor University in Museum Studies and Forensics, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and his MA from Texas Tech University in Museum Science. His wife of 20 years, Amanda Dyer, serves as Manager of Beautification, Arts and Culture for the City of Waco. Together they oversee the 3-P Trust, which focuses on supporting animal welfare causes. They are proud dog parents of labradoodle, Darby Biscuits and standard poodle, Johnny Thunders. 

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