The Tampa Museum of Art today announced the appointment of Tom Hochhausler as Penny and Jeff Vinik Interim Executive Director. Hochhausler will lead the Museum’s day-to-day operations as the Board of Trustees continues its previously announced national search for a permanent Executive Director.
“Tom has dedicated years of his time and energy to this institution, and his commitment to the Museum’s success is beyond question,” said Ron Christaldi, Chair of the Tampa Museum of Art Board of Trustees and chair of the executive search committee. “His record of strong business acumen, combined with his deep firsthand knowledge of the Museum, makes him uniquely suited to lead us through this transition.”
A long-standing member of the Tampa Museum of Art’s Board of Directors, Hochhausler has been an ardent champion of the Museum’s mission since joining the board in 2016, contributing to its growth and long-term vision at the board level. Beyond his Museum service, he is a seasoned business leader with experience guiding organizations through periods of growth and change throughout his career with Deloitte.
“This Museum has been a part of my life for many years, and I care deeply about its future,” said Hochhausler. “I am honored to serve in this capacity and look forward to working alongside our talented staff and board to keep the momentum going as we search for the next leader of this remarkable institution.”
As Penny and Jeff Vinik Interim Executive Director, Hochhausler will oversee Museum operations and work in close partnership with the Board of Trustees as the national search progresses. He assumes the role following the retirement of Michael Tomor, who led the Museum for over a decade, a period marked by major institutional growth and the launch of the Museum’s Centennial Campaign for Renovation and Expansion.
Hochhausler’s interim appointment comes during a significant chapter for the Tampa Museum of Art. The Museum is in the midst of its Centennial Campaign, a comprehensive construction and endowment effort to fund the ambitious 51,000 -square-foot expansion announced in November 2021. The campaign is anchored by a $28 million lead gift from Dick Corbett, a Tampa real estate developer and philanthropist who has been a Museum patron for decades. His lead gift is the single largest private donation ever made to a public art museum in Florida.
The expansion will transform the Museum into a vibrant hub of art and culture along the Tampa Riverwalk. To date, more than $100 million in support has been provided by individuals, families, and corporations, as well as the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the State of Florida. Fundraising efforts will continue through construction.
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