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Greg Carroll, CEO Of The American Jazz Museum, Resigns Abruptly

Laura Spencer
/
KCUR
Greg Carroll, shown here in a file photo, resigned as CEO of the American Jazz Museum on July 17, 2015.

Greg Carroll, CEO of the American Jazz Museum since 2007, has announced his resignation, effective immediately.

In a news release announcing Carroll's resignation, museum board officers praised Carroll's leadership but gave no explanation for his sudden departure.

"We owe Greg a debt of gratitude," said Trey Runnion, chair of the American Jazz Museum's board of directors. "Under his leadership we have grown to the next level, increased patronage and fundraising, put in place exciting centerpiece programs, and have launched a strategic planning process that will chart our future."

In the prepared statement, Carroll said he and his wife, Doris, "look forward to the next chapter in our journey."

"I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to wok with so many talented, dedicated, and passionate people here in Kansas City associated with the American Jazz Museum," Carroll added.

The museum's announcement comes on the same day as the Kansas City Star reported rumors that Carroll's departure was imminent.

"Multiple sources with ties to the museum and the tight-knit Kansas City jazz community said they’ve heard Carroll is being forced out of his $128,750-a-year job of running one of the signature institutions in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District," the paper reported.

Carroll has not replied to KCUR's request for comment.

The museum's news release said the board of directors was developing a plan for interim leadership and would launch a national search for a new CEO.

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