Ralph Remington Announces Retirement as Director of Cultural Affairs from the San Francisco Arts Commission

SAN FRANCISCO, February 2, 2026 – Today, Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington announced plans for his retirement effective June 30, 2026.

Director Remington shared the following statement at the February 2, 2026 Full Commission meeting held at City Hall:

“I have made the decision to step back from my current role as Director of Cultural Affairs to support the future objectives and vision of Mayor Lurie’s combined arts and culture department. To ensure continuity and collaborative leadership during this transitional period, I have asked Deputy Director Sarah Hollenbeck to assume some of my customary duties at the San Francisco Arts Commission. Both Sarah and Deputy Director Ebon Glenn will work closely with the department and community stakeholders to guide operations and programming through this period of change. I will remain available in an advisory capacity, while handling various other external duties through my planned retirement on June 30, 2026, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition for the department that it has been my honor to serve as the first African American Director of Cultural Affairs for the San Francisco Arts Commission.” – Ralph Remington

Director Remington was appointed to serve as Director of Cultural Affairs in January 2021, following a comprehensive international search led by the Arts Commission.

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