The Texarkana Museums System has chosen Melanie Dowd as the new executive director, according to a TMS announcement released Friday.

Dowd will take the helm of the museum organization on Monday, Feb. 16, replacing Genie Jones Young, interim director. The TMS board had conducted a search since last year to find a full-time replacement for Ina McDowell, who left her post in the fall.

Dowd currently serves as the development manager for Girl Scouts—Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. She has worked in the nonprofit sector to develop and promote new programs.