Katherine Nitz
Bristow,VA
Summary
Art historian with expertise in curating exhibitions and boosting visitor engagement. Proven track record in organizing collections and creating educational materials. Recognized for strong project management skills and ability to foster collaboration for impactful exhibitions.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Art History Ambassador
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
01.2026 - Current
- Represented the Art History program at university events, including open houses, orientation sessions, and departmental showcases.
- Guided prospective and incoming students in understanding coursework, faculty, and career pathways in art history.
- Showcased strong public speaking and interpersonal communication skills during academic and public engagements.
- Enhanced program visibility as the public face of the Art History Ambassador program.
Associate
Cold War Museum
Warrenton, VA
01.2026 - Current
- Organized backroom areas to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
- Cataloged and organized research library materials to improve accessibility and streamline inventory control.
- Developed cataloging systems to improve research library accessibility.
- Conducted research on collection care, addressing preservation issues such as mold.
- Documented materials to facilitate collection. management and inform preservation planning efforts.
- Collaborated with staff and volunteers to plan and design exhibits, ensuring effective selection and layout.
- Arranged and categorized materials to contribute to effective exhibit preparation.
- Managed preservation of sensitive materials.
Patient Coordinator / Front Desk Administrator
Novant / UVA Community Health
10.2021 - Current
- Served as primary contact for diverse public audiences at 30+ clinics, enhancing visitor experience.
- Coordinated schedules and workflows among staff to support smooth daily operations.
- Interpreted institutional policies and procedures for visitors, ensuring clarity and accessibility.
- Managed confidential records in compliance with privacy and regulatory standards.
- Trained new employees on institutional procedures at Novant/UVA Community Health.
Chief Curator & Teaching Assistant – Senior Capstone Exhibition
George Mason University
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Led curatorial vision for an exhibition, enhancing audience engagement.
- Established thematic framework and interpretive narrative, enhancing audience engagement with exhibited works.
- Conducted object-focused and contextual research to support curatorial and collections decisions.
- Crafted and refined exhibition labels and didactic materials, ensuring clarity and enriching understanding of object provenance and historical context.
- Supervised and coordinated student contributors with supported instruction and critique.
- Coordinated exhibition installation, meeting tight deadlines.
Intern
German American Heritage Center & Museum
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Contributed to research, development, and curation of exhibition from concept through installation, enhancing overall visitor experience.
- Conducted object research and contributed to interpretive content and exhibition narratives.
- Collaborated with curators and museum staff on exhibition layout and materials preparation.
- Supported installation logistics and preparation for public presentation.
- Developed cohesive color theme and informative wall labels, improving visitor comprehension and engagement.
- Acquired experience in the industry by applying learned concepts to work situations.
Receptionist / Patient Coordinator
Reston Serenity Smiles
09.2019 - 07.2021
- Greeted patients warmly and managed front desk operations effectively.
- Managed front desk operations and administrative tasks to ensure smooth daily functions.
- Coordinated day-to-day operations and improved visitor experiences through effective communication.
- Scheduled appointments using electronic health record systems efficiently.
- Managed patient inquiries and directed calls to appropriate staff members.
- Maintained accurate patient records and ensured confidentiality at all times.
- Handled insurance verification and processed necessary paperwork promptly.
- Maintained accurate records and supported institutional documentation processes for compliance.
Sales Lead / Customer Service Representative
Bed Bath & Beyond
03.2015 - 09.2019
- Managed customer engagement and resolved issues to enhance service quality.
- Supervised team members and trained new staff to ensure effective onboarding.
- Supported inventory management and streamlined daily operational tasks.
- Trained new staff on product knowledge and customer service standards.
- Developed and implemented a successful sales strategy to increase revenue.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and improve strategies.
- Developed strong relationships with key customers for repeat business.
- Ensured store presentation met brand standards and compliance guidelines.
- Managed inventory levels to optimize stock availability and reduce shrinkage.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA12-2025
Associate of Arts - Art History
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA12 2023
Skills
- Exhibition curation
- Archival research
- Research skills
- Inventory management
- Project management
- Visitor Engagement
- Cultural Heritage Awareness
- Object Preservation
- Communication Skills
- Team Collaboration
Timeline
Art History Ambassador
George Mason University
01.2026 - Current
Associate
Cold War Museum
01.2026 - Current
Chief Curator & Teaching Assistant – Senior Capstone Exhibition
George Mason University
08.2025 - 12.2025
Intern
German American Heritage Center & Museum
04.2025 - 07.2025
Patient Coordinator / Front Desk Administrator
Novant / UVA Community Health
10.2021 - Current
Receptionist / Patient Coordinator
Reston Serenity Smiles
09.2019 - 07.2021
Sales Lead / Customer Service Representative
Bed Bath & Beyond
03.2015 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
George Mason University
Associate of Arts - Art History
Northern Virginia Community College