Miami Art Museum Names Thomas “Thom” Collins As Director

The search for MAM’s new director was spearheaded by a search committee chaired by MAM trustee Rose Ellen Greene. Collins will begin his tenure as director on August 16, 2010. He succeeds John Wetenhall, who has served as interim director of MAM since December 2009.

Recognized for his ability to advance institutional development and foster community engagement, Collins’ tenure at the Neuberger Museum of Art was highlighted by significant growth in the areas of attendance and annual giving, as well as the creation of major endowments for new programming initiatives and capital improvements. As director of MAM, Collins will oversee the day-to-day operations of the museum, as well as planning for the transition into its new facility.

“Thom’s expertise in museum management, coupled with his past success building broad-based public support for museums through programming and community outreach, make him the right fit to lead Miami Art Museum as we prepare to begin construction on our new home in Museum Park,” said Aaron Podhurst, chairman of MAM’s board of trustees. “Thom brings a fresh perspective on the role that art museums play in today’s communities, as well as a depth of knowledge in the areas of modern, contemporary, and Latin American art, all of which are core components of MAM’s artistic focus.”

A teaching museum and part of the State University of New York at Purchase, the Neuberger Museum of Art is one of the nation’s most highly-regarded presenters of modern, contemporary and African art. As director, Collins managed a 22-person staff, an annual budget in excess of $3.5 million, and an endowment of $18 million. He also oversaw the museum’s exhibitions, permanent collection displays, and a far-reaching platform of community-based educational programs for school children and adults.

Exhibitions organized by Collins while at the Neuberger include Person of the Crowd: The Contemporary Art of Flânerie; Great Women Artists: Selections from the Permanent Collection; Renee Green: Wavelinks; and the forthcoming American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s.

In his next endeavor, Collins looks forward to raising Miami Art Museum’s profile as a broadly accessible resource for Miami’s diverse population, as well as to strengthening MAM’s role in the South Florida community.