LTC 140-2007 Bass Museum Of Artm MIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 140-2007 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager ~.SNt~
DATE: June 11, 2007
SUBJECT: BASS MUSEUM OF ART
As you know, Diane Camber has announced her retirement as Executive Director and Chief
Curator of the Bass Museum effective June 29, 2007. Diane's tenure with the Bass Museum
spanned 26 years, which included many contributions and accomplishments. Finding a
permanent replacement has become the top priority for the Board of Trustees of the Bass
Museum.
At the June 7, 2007 Board of Trustees meeting, the Board unanimously endorsed a plan to
secure the services of an independent executive search firm who will conduct a national
search for a replacement. The process will also include forming an independent search
committee comprised of community stakeholders who will serve as direct liaison with the
search firm and recommend a short list of candidates to the Board of Trustees. It is
contemplated that a search firm will be selected and a search committee formally
established at the Board's July meeting.
In the interim, the Board unanimously endorsed the appointment of Gary Farmer, the City's
Cultural Affairs Program Manager, to serve as Interim Administrator of the Bass Museum
until a permanent replacement is found. Gary has been with the City of Miami Beach since
May 2005, managing the City's cultural affairs program. While serving in an interim capacity
at the Bass Museum, Gary will continue his responsibilities as Cultural Affairs Program
Manager. It is important to note that Gary will not serve in a curatorial capacity at the Bass
Museum. The Museum currently has staff that will assume those responsibilities, but will
report to Gary who will oversee Museum operations and manage staff. Gary will begin to
work with Diane over the next three (3) weeks to ensure a smooth transition that will
continue to focus on the Museum's goals and objectives.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. ~-, ~
JMG/HMF/MAS ~
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