CCA RenderingBuck's departure comes between renovation phases. At the Thursday, August 23^rd preview reception for the opening of CCA’s Muñoz Waxman Gallery, it was clear by the way Executive Director Steve Buck was talking about having a lot of free time to play golf, that persistent rumors about his imminent departure from the organization were true. Indeed, the Center for Contemporary Arts issued a press release on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 29, announcing Buck’s resignation.

“I am going to play a lot of golf, actually. I’m going to take some time off, retool a little bit, get my batteries charged up and, in a month or so, look around for another opportunity,” Buck says. It’s hard to gauge whether Buck’s lack of focus on his next move is due to an unhurried approach, or rumors that his resignation was requested by the board following a period of growing unrest around Buck’s leadership. Such rumors, however, remain unsubstantiated. For his part, Buck maintains that the split is amicable.

“Look, I’ve done what I can there,” he says. “The organization is in good shape financially, the board is in totally harmony, the staff is excited, and the path forward is very clear.” He adds that brief, aggressive tenures (he was at the helm of CCA for 3 years) have been a hallmark of his professional career. “I like to have opportunities where I can make a contribution and turn things around and improve whatever business I’m in. I’ve done start-ups and I’ve done turn-arounds. Now I’ve done a turn-around at a non-profit. Seeing as a multi-disciplinary arts platform is the mission, it’s now time for them to find someone with a background and a vision in the arts rather than in business.”

Sandy Thompson, development director for CCA since 2005, has been named acting executive director. Thompson declined to comment on rumors and, asked point blank if the board of directors had requested Buck’s resignation, says “It was his [Buck’s] choice to move on.”

Thompson says he took the role of acting director only under the stipulation that the organization would conduct a national search for a fitting and dynamic director in the near future. He was unable to specify when such a search would begin. Thompson agreed with Buck’s assessment that the organization was on track.

“The long-term strategy plan which was put in place in December of 2006 will be continued and reviewed annually. Many of our goals have been realized under Steve’s leadership and he gave incredible vision and a lot of energy in turning the institution around.”

As far as instituting any changes of his own, Thompson says he’s enthused about generating more input into the organization from various community stakeholders. “There are a lot of people who have interest and ties to the organization who aren’t on staff, who aren’t on the board, but have given a lot and have a lot to say,” Thompson says. “And I’m looking forward to bringing those voices into the organization.”

A informal survey of CCA staff members revealed high morale in the face of Buck’s departure. The independent departments, like the overall organization, have respective long-term strategies that won’t be significantly impacted by Thompson’s directorship or a prolonged search to fill the position.

“We are all grateful to Steve for his dedication and hard work in turning around the organization,” says Visual Arts Director, Cyndi Conn. “CCA has made unbelievable strides in the past three years and Steve was integral that process. We look forward to the next chapter of CCA’s development.”

That chapter, Thompson says, will be making use of the fact that, “the stage is set for us to be a major and influential player in the contemporary arts of the region.” Asked if that isn’t already the case, he replies “I’m always going to use the term ‘we’re getting there,’ even if we arrive. I don’t want to develop a sense of complacency.”

Disclosure: Zane Fischer was executive director at CCA for two years in the late 1990s.