MOCA announced early this morning that Anne-Marie Russell's temporary replacement at the helm of the museum would be Samuel Nohe Ireland. Beginning May 1, Ireland will take over for Russell after her ten-year run as executive director of the Museum of Contemporary Art.

As Russell moves onward to an executive directorship at Sarasota Museum of Art, Ireland, who was raised in Tucson and got his BA at UA, will be taking over here and working alongside curator Jocko Weyland on upcoming programming. 

"Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise back to MOCA Tucson, and has an intimate understanding of MOCA's mission, vision and operations," a statement from Board President Courtney McEniry said. 

Ireland's museum pedigree also includes an MBA from Portland State University and an MA in Art History from Sotheby's Institute in New York City. He previously served as MOCA's Director of Operations from 2009 to 2011 as well.