Heard Museum chief leaving Resigns to take Maryland job By Richard Nilsen The Arizona Republic April 2, 1999 The Heard Museum is losing its director just after doubling its size. Martin Sullivan, who has led the museum since 1990, will resign effective May 30 to take over as head of Historic St. Mary's City in Maryland. Sullivan most recently saw the Heard through an $18.1 million expansion and renovation, which was completed in February. "It was a very difficult decision to leave the Heard Museum after nine years as director," said Sullivan, 55. "I have enjoyed working with the museum and am tremendously proud and fond of the people who make the Heard so great. But Historic St. Mary's City offers new opportunities for professional growth." Sullivan will become chief executive officer of the historic landmark and outdoor history museum. He also will be a senior officer of St. Mary's College of Maryland, a public honors college, where he will teach classes. "This is not about being fatigued or about dissatisfaction," Sullivan said, "but this seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime chance." E. Daniel Albrecht, president of the Heard Museum board of trustees, said the board is disappointed to see Sullivan go. "He has done a wonderful job at the Heard and taken us to a plateau we never imagined we'd reach," Albrecht said. "The standard he has set at the Heard makes it a real task to find someone to fill his shoes. And as a result of his leadership, we have been able to provide better service both to the residents of the city and to the Native American community." Sullivan's colleague, Phoenix Art Museum Director Jim Ballinger, called Sullivan's leaving a loss. "All one has to do is drive up to the Heard, now that it is open, and see what we're losing," he said. Sullivan will assist in the search for his successor. A search committee has been formed.