Balboa Art Conservation Center Executive Director Janet Ruggles, who has been at the helm for more than two decades, said Tuesday she plans to retire at the end of the year.

The BACC also announced that it will use a $700,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to search for Ruggles’ replacement, as well as invest in new art conservation and restoration equipment and upgrade its existing equipment.

Ruggles, who has been affiliated with the organization a total of 37 years, currently serves as the chief conservator of paper in addition to her position as executive director. According to the organization, the grant funding will help transition to an organizational model with distinct positions focusing separately on museum conservation and organizational stability.

BACC board President Jennifer Nelson called Ruggles a resourceful leader in her work overseeing the organization.

“I’m especially impressed by her expert conservation work as chief conservator of paper,” Nelson said. “We are so grateful for the foundation she has laid through her tireless work, and acknowledge her great contribution to the field of art conservation.”

People interested in applying to be the BACC’s executive director can do so online. The position will remain open until filled and the organization’s search committee plans to begin considering applications by the end of October.

— City News Service

>> Subscribe to Times of San Diego’s free daily email newsletter! Click here