TYLER, TEX.- The Tyler Museum of Art board of trustees announced that they have unanimously selected Caleb Bell to serve as the museum’s next Executive Director, following the retirement of Christopher M. Leahy on June 30. Bell will assume the position on July 1.

“We are proud of the many strides we have made together under the direction of Chris, and he will be greatly missed,” said TMA Board President Suzanne Perkins. “Caleb has played a key role within the organization for years, and we are excited for our future under his guidance.”

Bell has been with the TMA since April 2012, most recently serving as curator since July 2016. In addition to group exhibitions, he has presented solo exhibitions for numerous contemporary artists including Helen Altman, Daniel Blagg, Abhidnya Ghuge, Letitia Huckaby, MANUAL, and Linda Ridgway, among others. His most recent project, Observations: Works by Melissa W. Miller, will open to the public on Sunday, May 7.

In addition to curating exhibitions, he has played a vital role with the institution’s educational programming and community outreach efforts. He has assisted with the TMA’s grant writing and fundraising efforts. Bell has also served as a juror for numerous external exhibitions, written for various art publications and given talks throughout the state. He currently serves on the board for the Center for the Advancement and Study of Early Texas Art (CASETA).

“It is an honor to serve as the museum’s seventh Executive Director,” said Bell. “The TMA is truly a special place, and I look forward to strengthening our ties within the community and beyond.”

Leahy joined the Tyler Museum of Art in July 2013, bringing decades of leadership experience including previous positions in Washington D.C. at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art and Design, and The Phillips Collection. During his TMA tenure, among countless accomplishments, he strengthened institutional operations, grew membership, and achieved reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.

“It has been an honor to serve this great community over the past ten years,” said Leahy. “I am proud of the growth of the Museum, but I am looking forward to relaxing and enjoying more of Tyler.”