Sara Cochran will serve as Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art's interim director and curator when current director Tim Rodgers leaves the museum on May 18, according to a May 6 announcement from museum officials.
See also: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art Director Tim Rodgers to Resign
News of Rodgers' resignation followed 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 those 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.
No plans are in place to search for a permanent director.
"There are no plans at this time for a national search," says Scottsdale Cultural Council president and CEO Neale Perl via e-mail. "We're very pleased to have someone with Sara's credentials, experience and drive on our team to move into the position during this time of transition."
Cochran joined SMoCA as associate director in February 2014 after working as curator of modern and contemporary art at the Phoenix Art Museum.
Recently, Cochran's projects have included exhibition "southwestNET: Postcommodity" and temporary installation "Street Art Moves Inside."
"SMoCA is a young institution with a gifted staff and an amazing record of accomplishments," Cochran says in the announcement. "It has been a privilege to work closely with Tim Rodgers and to learn from him during the past year. I am excited to take up the position of interim director and curator, and to work with the staff towards a bright future that continues SMoCA's tradition of award-winning exhibitions and innovative programming." See also: Scottsdale Cultural Council President Discusses Restructure, Says He's Not Looking to Eliminate Positions