JACKSONVILLE, FLA.- The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens announced today that Hope McMath has informed the Board of Trustees of her decision to step down as Museum Director. Ms. McMath served as Museum Director for the past seven years and as a member of the museum’s staff for the past 22 years.
“We are both surprised and saddened but yet respect this personal decision that I know was not made lightly,” said Cummer Board of Trustees Chairman Ryan Schwartz. “We know our museum and our community are truly a better place because of Hope. Despite this setback, the Cummer is in a terrific place. Attendance has never been higher, programming is rich and our board is committed to ensuring meaningful experiences for all.”
In a statement, McMath said: "I will always be thankful for the opportunity I have had to work with such amazing people including a remarkable staff, dedicated volunteers, our generous supporters, fellow dreamers in the nonprofit sector, and the broader community. I believe the arts have a special role to play in the health and vibrancy of a city and the Cummer is leading that charge in our region. It has been a great pleasure to lead an organization that marries the importance of original works of art, the beauty of the natural world, and the educational needs and aspirations of the community. The mission of engaging and inspiring through the arts, gardens and education has always mirrored my personal passions and interests. I look forward to exploring ways to extend this work here in Jacksonville and beyond, further amplifying the extraordinary role that the Museum will continue to play in literally tens of thousands of lives every year. Although I have achieved all I can for the organization, the Cummer has an exciting future and I feel really good about what we have all accomplished...together."
The museum announced that in accordance with its established succession plan, 13-year Museum veteran and chief curator Holly Keris will provide professional leadership until a permanent successor is named. Ms. Keris has been named Chief Operating Officer/Chief Curator effective immediately. The Board of Trustees will form a committee to undertake an extensive search to find a replacement for McMath.
Under McMath’s leadership, attendance at the Cummer has increased, tens of thousands of citizens have enjoyed free access through a variety of programs including Weaver Free Saturdays, collaborations have been formed and important works have been added to the museum’s permanent collection. McMath helped develop countless programs such as the award winning Very Special Arts festival, which focuses on providing experiences and access for children with disabilities. During her tenure, the museum embarked on successful fundraising efforts for capital projects such as the renovation of the museum’s Art Connections space for children, re-development of the historic Olmstead gardens and the museum’s landscape beautification program, which created a street-side sculpture garden on Riverside Avenue. McMath was also instrumental in bringing key programs such as One In Three: Let’s Solve our Dropout Crisis, a photography exhibit presented in conjunction with the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, and LIFT: Contemporary Expressions of the African American Experience to the Cummer.
“We will miss Hope,” said Trustee George Gabel, a partner at law firm Holland & Knight. “She has taken the museum in an exciting direction. She has opened the Cummer to a more diverse audience and made it more relevant to a broader constituency. The good news is that Holly Keris shares the same passion for inclusion.”
"The Board of Trustees will work hard to ensure that Hope McMath's bold vision will continue in the future,” said philanthropist and Trustee Nancy Chartrand. “We will always be grateful for the extraordinary work she accomplished while at the museum."
Community volunteer and Trustee Martha Baker added, “We will be forever grateful to Hope for her strong leadership. She helped us all – the trustees, our donors and patrons and the community – see the Cummer through fresh eyes and begin to realize its great potential. Her vision has become our vision and, while we will miss her, we are committed to staying the course.”
The Cummer underscored that its programmatic work, collecting priorities, exhibition philosophy and desire to connect with nature would not change with Ms. McMath’s departure, which will take place this fall.
“Museums are special places with the ability to unite community,” said Schwartz. “Diversity, inclusion and access – themes championed by Hope – are values we believe in deeply, exhibit and continue to promote. The Cummer belongs to everyone.”
