The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance announced at the Dec 9 Board meeting that John Collins will retire as Executive Director as of March 31, 2021.
A transition plan is in place. Board Vice Chair, Helen French will serve as Interim Executive Director while a search firm for a new Executive Director is engaged. Collins will remain as an advisory consultant for six months to help ensure continuity for grant funded programs through October 1.
Mary Anna Murphy, Board Chair states, “While we are saddened that John will not be in the CEO seat any longer, we are fortunate that everything is in place for a successful transition to continue the legacy he has built.”
“I never expected to be founding a local arts agency ten years ago,” says Collins, “I believe we succeeded in filling a vacuum in arts advocacy and leadership at the time, and in creating a supportive and collaborative environment for the growth of our creative community. It’s been a privilege to partner with an engaged and dedicated Board that is a model for others; and with volunteers and part-time staff who devote full-time energy and passion to our programs for the artists and creative businesses we serve. It’s time for new leadership and energy at the Arts Alliance, and it is certainly time for my wife, Mary Ellen and me to start our next chapter in the City for the Arts.”
Michelle Turman,CEO of Catalyst Consulting Services will conduct the executive search. To review the full position description and instructions on how to apply visit https://catalystcs.org/about/current-openings/
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The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance strives to be the umbrella organization for the arts — advocating for the arts, facilitating the growth of the creative arts community, and driving arts-related economic development in St. Petersburg. www.stpeteartsalliance.org