WEST PALM BEACH, FL.- Mr. William Sned, Chairman of the Norton Museum of Art Board of Trustees announced the resignation of Ms. Christina Orr-Cahall, CEO and Director of the Norton Museum of Art. Ms. Orr-Cahall has accepted a position as the new CEO and Director of Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (EMP|SFM) in Seattle effective on or before July 1, 2009.

The Board of Trustees are forming a search committee and preparing a plan for interim leadership of the Museum. Dr. Roger Ward, Chief Curator and Curator of European Art, will serve as interim director of the Norton Museum beginning May 16, reporting to Mr. Sned and the Board of Trustees

“It is with the utmost regret that the Board of Trustees and I accept Christina’s resignation as Director of the Norton Museum of Art. Her 19 years as Director have been marked by extraordinary accomplishments. The Museum collections have been strengthened in every respect, and the building and gallery space have more than doubled. She also initiated a program of special exhibitions of outstanding quality,” Mr. Sned stated. “We are all grateful for her exceptional service and successes. We respect Christina’s decision to leave when the Norton is stronger and more respected than ever, and we understand her wishes for a new challenge, somewhere closer to her children.”

“We are very grateful to Tina for her tremendous contributions and we wish her well,” Kemp Stickney stated, who in his capacity as chairman of the strategic planning committee will immediately begin the transition and search process. "The staff and the Board will help ensure that the Norton Museum continues to thrive and build on Christina’s legacy.

“It has been both an honor and privilege to serve the Norton Museum for 19 years,” Ms. Orr-Cahall stated. “I will miss the enthusiasm, talent and devotion of the Trustees, staff, and volunteers. The community support of this institution continues to be a vital key to its success and I hope you all continue to love the Norton as I will. Thank you for all you have done to enrich my life.”

Since joining the Norton Museum of Art as its Director and CEO in 1990, Ms. Orr-Cahall has compiled a remarkable record of both curatorial and managerial achievements. She led the way in improving and expanding the exhibitions program, strengthening the staff through the recruitment of outstanding curators, more than doubling the size of the permanent collection through high-level gifts and funded purchases. And she created an education department with nationally recognized programs.

Ms. Orr-Cahall meanwhile developed and carried out two successful capital campaigns, grew the endowment, built two new wings and brought international attention to the Norton Museum.

An art historian who received her Ph.D. from Yale University, Orr-Cahall previously was the Chief Curator of Art at the Oakland Museum (1981-87) and CEO and President of the Corcoran Gallery and College of Art in Washington, DC (1988-90). She currently serves on the board of the Florida Association of Museums and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.