Anne Shih

Born and raised in Taiwan, Anne immigrated to the United States in 1979 with her husband. She joined the Bowers Museum’s Board of Governors in 1996 and has had an enormous impact on the Museum’s success. With her demur personality and small frame, Anne makes large miracles for the museum. She sets the highest example of leadership and commitment for others to follow, and it is all done as a volunteer with great love for the museum and its future.

Anne’s exceptional leadership was recognized by her colleagues who unanimously elected her to Chairwoman of the Bowers’ Board of Governors in 2010; she is the first Chinese-American woman elected Chair of any accredited museum in California, and perhaps the United States. Anne also works with the Development Committee overseeing all the fund development activities of the museum. She is by far the museum’s number one fundraiser, personally raising millions of dollars in donations over the years.

Anne Shih’s exceptional leadership and fundraising skills have been instrumental in bringing renowned exhibitions like the Terra Cotta Warriors (twice!) and Guo Pei’s fashion works (3 times!) to the Bowers Museum. Her initiation of the Junior Ambassador program at Bowers Museum reflects her Anne Shih Chairwoman, Bowers Museum commitment to fostering cultural education among youth, further enhancing the museum’s international standing. As a recipient of prestigious awards like the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Arts and Culture Visionary Award, Anne’s contributions extend far beyond the museum, impacting cultural appreciation and philanthropy on a global scale.

Anne Shih has established a well-deserved reputation in Orange County as an ambassador of cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for the arts. Her grace, elegance and passion always shine through, even during challenging circumstances such as her successful battle with cancer. Anne is truly an inspiration, setting the highest example for others to follow, and she is an outstanding representative of Orange County’s diverse population. Anne is instrumental in Bowers Museum’s mission of enriching lives through the world’s finest arts and cultures.

Anne Shih is also very proud of her close connections to many charities around Southern California and is especially proud to be a longtime supporter of the Irvine Chinese School.