The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg has announced its new executive director and CEO. Klaudio Rodriguez was selected after a nationwide search and comes from the Bronx Museum of the Arts in New York. He will assume the position in October.
The museum’s previous director, Anne-Marie Russell, officially resigned in March after being hired as interim director in 2022 following the resignation of former executive director and CEO Kristen Shepherd. Russell assumed the official position in March 2023.
Her resignation was announced in November following a turbulent period in which key staff members had to leave the museum. Since then, the museum’s affairs have been led by chief curator Stanton Thomas and chief strategy officer Darcy Schuller.
Rodriguez worked for the Bronx Museum for seven years, most recently serving as its executive director. According to a press release, his notable accomplishments include “leading the museum through a significant transition and overseeing a $33 million transformative capital project.”
Previously, Rodriguez was chief curator at the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Art at Florida International University in Miami. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a minor in Photography and a Masters in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Florida International University, where he also received a graduate certificate in museum studies.
“Klaudio brings an unparalleled blend of leadership, curatorial expertise and innovative vision that perfectly aligns with our mission to engage, educate and inspire diverse communities by collecting, exhibiting and preserving works of art for the enrichment and enjoyment of all,” said trustee chair Piers Davies in the press release.
Rodriguez said he was inspired by the museum’s encyclopedic collection and looked forward to building on its history, “expanding its reach and developing the relationships that are critical to the future success of this institution.”
“Together, we will continue to inspire, educate and connect our community through the power of art.”
