The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens’ George and Kathleen Gibbs director and CEO Adam M. Levine, Ph.D., will be leaving the institution to return to the Toledo Museum of Art in Toledo, Ohio.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Cummer Museum and to partner with its inspiring board, donors, staff and volunteers on a variety of dynamic initiatives that moved the institution forward,” Levine said.
“I have loved my time in this community and am grateful for the warmth with which I was received and for the embrace of the Cummer Museum’s vision.”
Levine began with the Cummer Museum October 2018 and fully assumed the role as Director and CEO in January 2019. Prior to relocating to Jacksonville to accept the position with the Cummer Museum, he held a variety of senior positions at TMA since 2013, most recently as deputy director and curator of Ancient art.
Although this was unexpected news, the chair of the Cummer Museum’s Board of Trustees, Pam D. Paul, promises the “commitment to Jacksonville will not diminish.”
“I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that we are disappointed to lose Adam,” Paul said. “But the passion, excitement and growth at the Cummer of late is a result of the community’s desire for accessible, high-quality cultural experiences and our institution’s ability to respond to that demand.”
Under Levine’s leadership the past 18 months, the Cummer Museum increased attendance and membership year-over-year by 20%, expanded educational offerings, developed an ambitious strategic plan, reconstructed its hurricane-damaged gardens and initiated new programs that increased accessibility to the museum for a range of audiences.
Levine also oversaw several new acquisitions and loans that enhanced the scope of the museum’s holdings, including examples of contemporary Native American basketry, historic African sculpture, ancient Roman material culture and abstract expressionist painting.
Levine’s last day at the Cummer Museum will be April 24, but Paul assures the Cummer is already looking for an ideal replacement.
“We have an incredible staff and highly engaged and committed board, along with strong community support,” she said. “Just as we did before, our board will work tirelessly to recruit the best and brightest new director and CEO.”
Paul also added that the board will develop a “cohesive transition plan, ensuring that artistic and operational excellence will be continue to progress, and that Levine will partake in the plan for the next 90 days.
“We are grateful to Adam for his visionary leadership in creating new experiences focused on quality, access and fun for all ages and interests to enjoy,” Paul commemorated. “We wish him all the best in Toledo.”
Levine will fill the role of the Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey Director of TMA. He will begin his new post in May of 2020. Founded in 1901, TMA has more than 25,000 objects in its collection.
For more on The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, visit www.cummermuseum.org.
