Ross Searle is an avid collector, benefactor and art museum professional who has worked in Australian art museums since 1982. He has held curatorial and leadership roles around the country, including Curator of the Shepparton Art Gallery where he developed an expert knowledge of Australian ceramics and directorship of the Perc Tucker Gallery in Townsville. In 1996 he became the first full-time Director of the University of Queensland Art Museum. In his eleven years in this position, the collection doubled in size including the acquisition of works by important Australian and international artists. Ross is recognised as a highly skilled museum and art gallery specialist consultant and has curated exhibitions for Queensland Art Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, University of Queensland Art Museum and many significant regional galleries. He is an approved valuer under the Cultural Gifts Program of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.