TACOMA, WA.- Timothy Close has resigned as Executive Director/CEO of the Museum of Glass effective January 3, 2012. Close was named the Museum’s director in May 2006.

“This is a difficult decision for me, but I feel the timing is right for a leadership change at the Museum of Glass ,” said Close. “It has been an honor to serve as the director of MOG. I truly love living in the Pacific Northwest and I have enjoyed working with so many talented artists and generous collectors. I would like to thank the outstanding staff of MOG for helping make the Museum the wonderful institution that it is today. I would also like to recognize the support of so many members of the community, in particular the volunteers and docents, who do so much to enhance the quality of the visitor experience. I will miss everyone a great deal. However, my professional interest is to return to a general art museum.”

“Under Tim’s leadership, the Museum experienced impressive growth and development,” said Randy Lert, immediate past Chair of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “He has a broad understanding of the Museum as both a cultural/educational center as well as a destination to promote cultural tourism. He was instrumental in establishing MOG’s national brand and achieving accreditation by the American Association of Museums. We are very appreciative of Tim’s many achievements and service to the Museum.”

Those accomplishments include:

• Developing a clear and concise mission for the Museum of All Glass, All the Time.

• Receiving accreditation from the American Association of Museums.

• Establishing a Permanent Collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, comprised of 156 works including the major commission projects of Preston Singletary ’s Clan House and Martin Blank’s Fluent Steps. Other works include important pieces by Dale Chihuly, William Morris, Toots Zynsky, Tom Patti, Harvey Littleton and Lino Tagliapietra, as well as works made in the Museum’s Hot Shop that comprise the Visiting Artists Collection.

• Establishing the Leonard and Norma Klorfine Gallery.

• Establishing national traveling exhibitions hosted by the Smithsonian Institution, Palm Springs Art Museum, Heard Museum, Anchorage Museum and the Chrysler Museum.

• Establishing the Museum’s Mobile Hot Shop program.

In response to Close’s resignation, the Board of Trustees has named Deputy Director Susan Warner as Interim Director.