Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Director to Change Roles in 2019
Robert Kret has been the Museum’s Director since 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—January 8, 2019 (Santa Fe, NM) — The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Board of Trustees announces that Robert Kret will leave his role as Director of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, effective January 31, 2019. Kret has held the position since 2009. To ensure a smooth leadership transition, he will stay on with the O’Keeffe as Consulting Director.
Kret initiated discussions with the Board last fall about his intentions to seek another position in 2019. “When I arrived in Santa Fe in 2009, my plan was always to be at the O’Keeffe for eight to ten years,” says Kret. “There is never a perfect time for this kind of change, but I think the time is right, professionally and personally. The Museum is in great shape and I want to turn my attention to pursing professional opportunities that will bring my wife and me closer to family. It has been an honor to direct this vital organization. It is thriving as a globally renowned, forward-thinking institution. I could not be more proud of its accomplishments, and of the amazing team that will shape its future.”
“We are grateful for Rob’s leadership and celebrate his significant contributions to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum during the past nine years,” said Roxanne Decyk, Board Chair. “He led the organization through a period of significant growth and development, and leaves the institution in a much better place than it was when he arrived. Last year we had over 200,000 visitors to the Museum’s sites—a figure well beyond our previous record. Under Rob’s direction, there were three international tours of O’Keeffe exhibitions, the establishment of an art acquisitions fund, significant growth in the endowment, and the creation of a dynamic and talented staff. We wish him well on his next career opportunity.”
Kret has been a cultural leader nationally and locally. He served as a board member of the Association of Art Museum Directors, and is currently a member of its membership committee. Kret was a member of the American Alliance of Museums program planning committee, and is on the Cooperstown Graduate Program Alumni Association Board. In Santa Fe, Kret assisted in the creation of the Santa Fe Arts Commission’s cultural plan. He was also a member of the International Folk Art Alliance’s compensation committee, and served on the New Mexico Art Museum’s 100th Anniversary committee.
“I feel confident that I am leaving the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in an excellent position. It has been a privilege to lead this young organization for almost a decade,” says Kret. Cody Hartley, Senior Director of Collections and Interpretation, has agreed to serve as Acting Director effective February 1, 2019. Hartley has worked closely with Kret since joining the Museum staff in April 2013.
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ABOUT THE GEORGIA O’KEEFFE MUSEUM: Since 1997, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum has
shared the art, life, and story of Georgia O’Keeffe with visitors from around the world. Located in
New Mexico, where Georgia O’Keeffe lived the final decades of her life, the O’Keeffe has sites
and experiences in two historic destinations, Santa Fe and Abiquiú. For more information, please visit okeeffemuseum.org.
