Nora Atkinson Steps Down due to Personal Circumstances; Rob Fore Named Interim Executive Director
San Francisco, August 12, 2025. The Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) has announced that Nora Atkinson, Executive Director, has informed MCD’s Board of Directors (the Board) of her intent to resign from her position. Atkinson has made the difficult decision to step down from her role due to personal considerations. The Board has accepted her resignation with regret and with great appreciation for her accomplishments during her tenure. She will conclude her time at the museum at the end of August 2025.
“Nora brought great energy and imaginative, future-oriented thinking to MCD in her time as Executive Director,” said Neil H. O’Donnell, Chair of the Board. “We are saddened that her personal situation will not permit her to continue to transform those ideas into reality. We are thankful for her contributions to MCD and wish her well.”
Atkinson told the Board, “I’ve been honored to serve as Executive Director of this brilliant institution and am grateful for the support and confidence the Board and the rest of the MCD community has shown me. I remain excited about the museum’s future and plan to support its mission in any way I can.”
The Board has begun a search for a new Executive Director. In the meantime, it has appointed Rob Fore, MCD’s Deputy Director of Operations, as Interim Executive Director. MCD remains committed to presenting dynamic craft and design focused exhibitions and programs for all.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Millman.
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For interview requests or more information, contact Sarah Beth Rosales, Marketing and Communications Director, Museum of Craft and Design at sbrosales@sfmcd.org or 415.773.0303.
About the Museum of Craft and Design
The Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) is San Francisco’s only museum devoted to craft and design. Founded in 2004, MCD showcases designers, makers, and artists through an exciting and distinctive series of craft and design-focused exhibitions and public programs. MCD explores the creative process and current perspectives in craft and design through inspired exhibitions and experiential programs. Learn more at sfmcd.org.
