BALTIMORE — The Reginald F. Lewis Museum Board of Directors bids farewell to Dr. Skipp Sanders after four years as executive director. Dr. Sanders will retire from his position at the end of January 2016. His tenure caps a career that spans more than four decades of service that also includes a long tenure at the Maryland State Department of Education.
Under Dr. Sanders’ leadership, the museum presented several award-winning exhibitions, brought in new major donors, filled several key director-level positions, expanded the museum’s exhibition space, and raised the organization’s visibility nationally. He also set a vision for the museum as a place for all, regardless of background as he greeted each visitor with a warm, ”Welcome to your cultural home!”
“Skipp has created a stellar legacy. He graciously agreed to stay on through the museum’s 10th anniversary, where he oversaw a year of exciting events and culminating in a sell-out gala,” said Board Chair Dr. Leslie King Hammond. “He has set the museum on a course for success that prioritizes being relevant, accessible, interactive, and thought-provoking. How did he do it? As a leader, he is a gracious humanitarian. His style elicits the very best out of each person. He led the staff with compassion, patience, and an integrity that was compelling and inspired. It is for all those reasons that we are sincerely indebted to Dr. Sanders and are well poised to enter our next chapter.”
“It has been my honor and privilege to serve the museum. I care very much about this institution and look forward to seeing it continually evolve under the new executive director’s helm. Thank you to our supporters and my staff, who shared my vision that a history and culture museum in the 21st century has an important role to play in highlighting our common humanity and providing guidance for our future,” said Dr. Sanders.
A search, led by m/Oppenheim Associates, is currently underway for a new executive director. A public announcement about an interim director will be made in the coming weeks.