Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art officials announced on Monday, May 4, that museum director Tim Rodgers will resign.
Rodgers, who's been with SMoCA for six years, leaves his position effective May 18. SMoCA associate director Sara Cochran is reportedly in talks to serve as interim director.
It's unclear how soon the search for a new museum director will begin.
News of Rodgers' resignation follows an announcement from Scottsdale Cultural Council president and CEO Neale Perl, who oversees operations of SMoCA, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and Scottsdale Public Art, that the organizations will be restructured this year. Perl's plans include relocating senior staffers' offices to the same building as the Council's administrative headquarters.
Recently, rumors have been circulating that Perl is looking to eliminate the directorship positions at each of the three organizations.
"After six great years with SMoCA, having accomplished the goals I set for myself and the Museum, I have decided that the time is right for me to pursue a new opportunity," Rodgers says in the announcement.
Under Rodgers' leadership, SMoCA introduced SMoCA Lounge, signature event Lit Lounge, and numerous notable art exhibitions, including a retrospective of the late Paolo Soleri's work.
"On behalf of the Scottsdale Cultural Council, I wish to thank Tim Rodgers for his leadership at SMoCA and his service to our community," Perl says in the announcement. "Tim brought exceptional creativity and resourcefulness to the Museum, and going forward we will build on SMoCA's imaginative programming and momentum. All of us wish him the very best in his future endeavors."
