COLUMBIA, SC.- Lynn Robertson, former executive director of the McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina, has been appointed as the interim executive director of the Columbia Museum of Art as a search is conducted for a permanent, full-time replacement.

Robertson will join the CMA in mid-January and will support museum operations, events, and planning through July 31, when a permanent executive director is expected to be named.

Robertson has an extensive background in museum management and has been engaged extensively with the Museum Management Program at USC. She served in various capacities at the McKissick Museum from 1988 – 2011 and continues to operate a consulting service for cultural institutions.

“We couldn’t be happier to be able to bring in Lynn during this important interim period to keep the momentum going at the Columbia Museum of Art as we search for Karen Brosius’ replacement,” says Scott McClelland, chairman of the board for the CMA. “Lynn has vast experience in museum management, as well as great relationships throughout the community. She’ll be a natural fit and is eager to help us through this transition period.”

“I’m honored to be part of such an important institution in our state. The Columbia Museum of Art has consistently played an important role in our community’s intellectual and economic well being – not to mention its leadership in demonstrating the essential role of the arts in education.” says Robertson.

Executive Director Karen Brosius informed board members and staff in November of her acceptance of the president position with Careers through Culinary Arts Program based in New York starting early February 2017.

“Lynn and I have been friends for a long time, and she was my top recommendation to the board to take on this role. I feel really good leaving the talented staff of the CMA in Lynn’s hands,” says Brosius. “She has as much love for this community as I do and has been so gracious in talking with us and agreeing to help the board throughout our recruitment and hiring process.”