ED Patricia Maloney to Step Down at end of 2018

October 18, 2018

Dear Friends,

Over the past several months, the staff and Board of Southern Exposure have undertaken the work to reconceive organizational roles in order to fully support the organization’s mission and operating values. I am proud to say that we have arrived at a structure that creates a more collaborative, team-driven approach to projects and workflow.

In the process of undertaking this realignment, and to ensure the organization’s new needs are met, I have made the decision to step down as Executive Director at the end of this year. Leigh Lehman will step in as interim ED, and I will continue to serve as a consultant for the organization during the transition. I feel assured that implementing this new organizational structure in a supportive environment will contribute to the long-term perseverance of Southern Exposure.

While not an easy decision to arrive at, once made, there is clarity in seeing the impact that my contributions, and those of my team, will continue to have. During my tenure, we expanded the invaluable Alternative Exposure grant, creating the substantial partnership with Facebook’s Artist in Residence program. It increases the grantees’ visibility in the community and extends eligibility to Contra Costa County while enabling us to have a fully bilingual application process in English and Spanish.

Of significance to Southern Exposure’s financial stability are the new funding resources secured during my time as Executive Director that have concurrently brought new audiences and advocates into the fold, including hosting the three most financially successful auctions and initiating a successful facility rental program.

Most importantly, in making equity a key tenet of our strategic plan and establishing the Curatorial Council, we have transformed our exhibition program by receiving emerging voices, lives, narratives, and communities that had previously been discounted and excluded. These voices will continue to shape Southern Exposure’s future.

As always, I encourage long-time supporters and new visitors alike to contribute to this transformation and continue to recognize how steadfast Southern Exposure remains through economic and political upheaval. I will never forget the moments when we gathered together to break down a wall, cover our windows in protest, join with voices globally, and dance in solidarity, hope, and celebration.

This place for artists is fueled by your deep-rooted generosity. I step away from this position, but my unflagging belief in our mission and in the transformative work of Bay Area artists remains here and with you. Thank you for your support of me and my team over the past three years and for your dedication to the spirit of Southern Exposure, now and always.

With deepest gratitude,

Patricia Maloney

 

Press release date: 

Thursday, October 18, 2018

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