San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum is undergoing another leadership shift, as executive director Chad Coerver, who has served since September 2021, announced his departure.
Founded in 1984, the non-collecting museum’s mission is to use art and dialogue to introduce the Jewish experience to modern audiences. Its building was designed by renowned Jewish architect Daniel Libeskind.
Tom Kasten, chair of the board, said “Chad brought a very community-focused energy to his role at the CJM, which has helped to shape the museum’s culture and path forward. We wish him great success in his next role.”
Coerver chose to accept the role of president at Working Assumptions, a group that utilizes art to promote family life. He described the potential of the position as “too good to pass up” and starts in August.
Gillian Laub, Cara Levine and Mika Rottenberg were among the artists whom Coerver brought to the museum for exhibitions.
Chief Operating Officer Kerry King will act in an interim executive director role, duties which she has performed previously upon another leader’s exit. “Chad built a really strong relationship with the institution and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity,” she said.