ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.- The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg (MFA) Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Klaudio Rodriguez as the new Executive Director and CEO following a comprehensive national search. Mr. Rodriguez joins the MFA from The Bronx Museum of the Arts in The Bronx, New York, where he has successfully led the institution in embracing its core mission of inspiring people and connecting communities through the power of art and education. He will officially assume his role at the MFA in October.

“We are thrilled to welcome Klaudio Rodriguez as the next Executive Director and CEO of the MFA,” stated Piers Davies, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Klaudio brings an unparalleled blend of leadership, curatorial expertise, and innovative vision that aligns perfectly with our mission to engage, educate, and excite diverse communities by collecting, exhibiting, and preserving works of art for the enrichment and enjoyment of all. His proven track record in fostering community engagement and leading transformative projects will propel the MFA to new heights. We look forward to the exciting future that Klaudio will help shape for the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg.”

During his seven-year tenure at The Bronx Museum, including his recent role as Executive Director, Mr. Rodriguez has been instrumental in advancing the museum’s commitment to community service, supporting POC artists, and fostering the integration of art and education. His notable achievements include navigating the contemporary art museum through the challenges of the pandemic, leading it through a significant transition period, and overseeing a transformative $33 million capital project.

“I am honored to have been selected as the MFA’s Executive Director and CEO,” said Klaudio Rodriguez. “I am inspired by the museum’s expansive encyclopedic collection, supportive board, talented and dedicated staff, and the vibrant community in St. Petersburg. It is especially meaningful to return to the region where I was raised and began my career in arts and culture. I truly believe that the MFA is well-positioned to enrich lives through art, foster impactful dialogue, and create inclusive spaces for all. I look forward to building on its storied history, expanding its reach, and developing the relationships critical to the future success of this institution. Together, we will continue to inspire, educate, and connect our community through the power of art.”

Before his tenure at The Bronx Museum, Mr. Rodriguez served as Chief Curator at The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum at Florida International University in Miami, FL, a Smithsonian Affiliate and one of the largest academic art museums in South Florida. He attended the School of Architecture at the University of Miami and completed coursework in Graphic Design and Painting from the New World School of the Arts in Miami. Rodriguez holds a BA in Art History with a Minor in Photography, a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies, and an MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, specializing in modern and contemporary Latin American art, from Florida International University.

“It’s been a privilege to chair the search committee for the MFA’s next leader,” said Mark Anderson, Trustee of the Board of Directors. “Our extensive and rigorous search process, conducted in partnership with Russell Reynolds Associates, was designed to identify a candidate who embodies the museum’s values, mission, and vision. We are confident that Klaudio Rodriguez’s outstanding leadership skills, deep commitment to community engagement, and passion for the arts make him the ideal person to guide the MFA into its next exciting chapter.”

The MFA Board of Trustees extends its gratitude to Dr. Stanton Thomas, Chief Curator, and Darcy Schuller, Chief Strategy Officer, for their exemplary joint leadership during the interim period, which was crucial for the museum’s continued success.