A Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Minnesota Marine Art Museum friends, fans, supporters, and community members,
It is with both a heavy heart and a burst of optimism that I am writing to share the news about the difficult decision to step down from my current role as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. This fall, I will be following my family to New Mexico as we begin this next chapter of our lives. Bittersweet, because of the momentum we’ve put into motion here at MMAM. Optimism, because I know the seeds we’ve planted together are just emerging, and ready to grow.
Serving this organization has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life.
Together, we have continued to build on MMAM's extraordinary foundation, expanded access to the arts, deepened community partnerships, and cemented MMAM’s commitment to creating meaningful conversations about our relationship with water.
I am grateful to each and every one of you for allowing me to insert some of my past experiences at the North House Folk School, American Swedish Institute, and the American Craft Council in the way we do our work at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
A former colleague of mine once reminded me that we’re truly in this work together to not just count heads, but make heads count. The community that MMAM works in, the partners it works alongside, and the supporters who step forward who understand this, have been the real champions in helping me drive the vision for MMAM forward in a way that can only be described as remarkable in my short tenure. It was the right time. It was the right place. And it was the right mix of people.
Today, MMAM is stronger than ever. Our talented staff, engaged Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers, and passionate supporters have helped position the museum as a cultural leader in our region and beyond. Through ambitious exhibitions, innovative educational programming, and community-centered initiatives, we have continued to grow our impact while remaining guided by a clear vision: creating a more compassionate and connected world for all.
I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. Yet what I will carry with me most is not a single exhibition, program, or milestone. It is the culture we have built. It is the way this community shows up for one another, embraces new ideas, and believes in the power of art to bring people together.
Throughout this transition, the Board of Directors will lead a thoughtful and inclusive process to identify the museum's next leader. I have every confidence that MMAM's next chapter will build upon the momentum, creativity, and sense of purpose that define this institution today.
The work of connecting people through art, fostering curiosity, and inspiring stewardship is bigger than any one individual. It is sustained by a community that believes in the mission and in each other.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your unwavering support of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. It has been an honor to serve alongside you, and I look forward to watching MMAM continue to flourish in the years ahead.
With gratitude,
Scott Pollock
Executive Director
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Statement from Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
On behalf of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum Board of Directors, we want to share our deep gratitude for Scott’s positive and progressive leadership. During his time as executive director, our organization has grown stronger and more effective, while staying grounded in its mission and vision.
This is a bittersweet moment for all of us. While we will miss Scott’s leadership, we celebrate this exciting opportunity for him to be with his family in New Mexico, and share his many talents with more people. We are also grateful to the staff, partners, and community members who make this work possible every day.
Scott’s work has carried us forward and leaves us with real momentum. From guiding us out of the pandemic to shaping our long-term strategy to expand our impact, Scott’s leadership has positioned us for sustained success. We are also on sound financial footing. We have a healthy reserve fund and will continue to make targeted investments over the next five years to ensure that our mission remains strong as we continue to deliver meaningful impact.
The Board is committed to a transition process that is thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive. Our goal is not just to select the next leader, but to ensure they inherit a strong foundation. We have begun a structured search, with staff leadership playing a key role, to ensure the next executive director inherits the momentum and vision that Scott has helped cultivate.
We remain guided by our mission, to create meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water, and have unwavering commitment to our vision, to spark wonder and create a more compassionate and connected world for all. We are confident in MMAM’s ability to move forward with strength, clarity, and care.
We look forward to staying connected throughout this transition and will share updates as key milestones are reached.
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Bill Hoel, Board Chair
Leanne Poellinger, Secretary
Sabina Bosshard, Board Member at Large
Mark Haakenson, Treasurer