JoAnn Edwards is the co-founder and executive director of the Museum of Craft and Design (MCD). Edwards has overseen MCD’s vision and growth since its 2003 founding, spearheading its innovative pop-up exhibitions, relocation, and acclaimed reopening in the vibrant Dogpatch district. 

Edwards is a staunch advocate for artists and an expert in contemporary craft and design. Highlights include jurying for Dutch Design Awards; representing the U.S. at the Het Nieuwe Instituut IVP; serving as keynote speaker at the Wolfsonian for MUSCON, Design Miami; former board member, Furniture Society; frequent panelist and juror/critic at national and international conferences on contemporary craft and design. Edwards received the 2023 Shine award from Design Bay Area.

Additionally, Edwards has held roles as the Board Chair for the Support Network for Battered Women and received the Unsung Hero Award. Prior to founding MCD, Edwards co-owned contemporary art galleries in the San Francisco Bay Area for twenty-six years.