TAMPA - Ken Rollins spent most of the past three years dealing with the finances and politics involved in building a new art museum for the city.
Now that construction is under way, Rollins is retiring. Wednesday is his last day.
"I'm just very pleased with what we've accomplished," Rollins said. "Nothing worthwhile is easy."
Rollins was hired in July 2005 to serve as executive director for the Tampa Museum of Art. His predecessor, Emily Kass, resigned in April 2005, just weeks after plans to build a $76 million new building fell apart.
Rollins was given a two-year contract and a mission: build a new museum. His contract later was extended for a third year.
During his tenure, art museum board members and city officials argued over the location for the new building. Finally, they agreed to start construction at the northern edge of Curtis Hixon Park.
The art museum's board is conducting a national search for a new director and hopes to fill the position by the end of the year.
The museum's groundbreaking was held in April; it is scheduled to open in fall 2009.
Meanwhile, look for Rollins in Mexico, where he hopes to spend a few months back in the studio, working on sculpture and ceramic pieces.
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