Neff resigns as executive director of Reynolda House, Museum of American Art
Dr. John Hallmark Neff, the executive director of Reynolda House, Museum of American Art, is resigning from his position at the end of this month.
Neff, who joined Reynolda House in 2001, announced his resignation on May 9.
“I have the greatest respect for Reynolda House and its many contributions to this community,” Neff said. “It has been a pleasure to work with this hard-working and gifted staff and the Reynolda docents (volunteers) who are unique in their dedication and service.”
Neff said he looks to remain in Winston-Salem. He came to Reynolda House from the Terra Museum of American Art in Chicago, where he was director and curator of collections. Other past positions include directing Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art and serving as director of the art program at First National Bank of Chicago.
According to John P. Anderson, the Wake Forest University vice president who now administers Reynolda House operations, it is likely that an interim executive director will be named during the search for a permanent successor to Neff.
“We are fortunate to have had the benefit of John’s expertise at this time when
Reynolda House is poised to take an important step forward in its educational mission,” said Reynolda House President Barbara B. Millhouse, referring to Reynolda House’s new relationship with Wake Forest.
In January, Reynolda House became an affiliate of Wake Forest. With the
affiliation, ultimate responsibility for the governance of the museum rests with the university’s board of trustees. Reynolda House will continue as a charitable organization with its own board of directors.
Reynolda House also is preparing to begin construction of an educational addition to the museum, which will be funded primarily by its capital campaign. A wing to increase the educational and interpretive capacity of the museum will be carefully placed to preserve important aspects of the original landscape. The project will include a visitors’ center, multi-purpose room, library and archives, and classrooms. In addition to the construction, Reynolda House plans to restore several public rooms to their original 1920s appearance.
Neff said that he was pleased with Reynolda House’s collaboration with other arts institutions in the area and its guest speakers’ program.
“I wish the Reynolda House board and staff the very best and look forward to attending the fine programs forthcoming during the coming year,” Neff said.
Categories: Arts & Culture, University Announcements
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