Welcoming Director Cruz

Amada Cruz has been appointed the new Robert and Mercedes Eichholz director and CEO of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, succeeding Larry Feinberg, who is retiring in November after 15 years at the helm.

“We are grateful to the more than 100 stakeholders, including members of the community, employees, trustees, and donors who participated in the selection process,” says Lynn Cunningham, selection committee chair. “Their inputs were used to inform our decision making and, following an international search and reviewing many impressive candidates, we are delighted with the outcome.”

Cruz comes to SBMA from the Seattle Art Museum, where she served as the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO from 2019.

“It is a call to engage the different communities of the Santa Barbara region by increasing the museum’s local relevance and global visibility…,” says Cruz. “As we move through the 21st century, museums are being challenged to prove their purpose by centering audiences and building community.

“The varied collections and programs of SBMA offer myriad ways to celebrate and embrace a rapidly diversifying population.”

Nicholas Mutton, board chair, says: “Amada has a proven track record as a consummate professional, a visionary leader, and a change agent who has succeeded wherever she has been… This change will allow us to craft together a compelling strategic vision for the future.”