VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.- The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art has announced that Debi Gray will retire as Executive Director as of January 31, 2019. Coming to MOCA in 2009, she guided the museum through the final stages of accreditation, which was awarded by the American Alliance of Museums in December 2010. Under her tenure, Gray has established MOCA as one of the most preeminent contemporary art museums focused on the art of now. She has been a tireless advocate for elevating the curatorial program and took on the largest and most groundbreaking exhibition endeavors in the museums history.
Gray has positioned MOCA to be the most critical resource for arts education in our region. In addition, she oversaw and bolstered the museums presence in providing public art for the community. Most recently under her immeasurable leadership, MOCA was honored with a Humanitarian Award by the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission. Gray served on the board for the Virginia Association of Museums.
Before MOCA, Debi served as President of the Norfolk campus of Culinary Arts for Johnson & Wales University. Debi grew up in Virginia Beach and completed her bachelors degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and holds a masters degree in Leadership from Regent University.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Executive Director, said Mrs. Gray, MOCA is on an upward trajectory with a skilled staff, a strong board, financial stability, and the support of the City. We are poised to reach even greater heights.
I cannot say enough about Debi and her impact on MOCA. I have gotten to know Debi very well the past few years and, besides being a wonderful person, she is a good friend, said Andy Hodge, Executive Board Chair, Under her leadership, MOCA has grown into a world class contemporary art museum. She will be sorely missed.