The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Riverside has chosen Andrea Barnwell Brownlee to be the institution’s next director and CEO.
Brownlee comes to Jacksonville from Atlanta, where she was director of the Museum of Fine Art at historically Black Spelman College for the past two decades. She’ll start her new job in December 2020.
“I am honored to lead the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, a forward-thinking institution that is prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges of this unprecedented time,” said Brownlee. “I anticipate working in collaboration with a variety of partners and stakeholders, both existing and new, to expand its footprint as the jewel of Jacksonville and an exceptional cultural resource for the region, the nation and the world.”
Brownlee is replacing Adam Levine, who announced in January that he would be returning to the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio after a brief stint at the helm of the Cummer Museum.
Related: Head Of Cummer Museum Returning To Toledo Museum Of Art
Brownlee’s selection follows a nationwide search conducted by eight museum trustees and led by Susan Towler, Vice Chair of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
“Our search committee had the opportunity to meet several excellent candidates, and it was clear that Dr. Brownlee was the most qualified with the right experience, passion and enthusiasm to accelerate the museum’s position as a world-class destination. Her strategic vision for the museum aligned with ours, and we are confident that her arrival will mark a period of dynamic growth,” Towler said.
Kerrie Slattery, who has served as interim director during the search process, will return to her role as Chief Advancement Officer when Brownlee takes over.
“Kerrie has skillfully led the museum during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. Her dedication and stability were critical to our navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as helping guide us through the social unrest facing our nation and community. We are thankful for her steady hand leading the Cummer Museum throughout this time,” said Pam D. Paul, Chair of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Brownlee’s official title will be the Cummer Museum of Art and Garden’s George W. and Kathleen I. Gibb Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Brendan Rivers can be reached at brivers@wjct.org, 904-358-6396 or on Twitter at @BrendanRivers.
