The executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum will step down, museum leaders confirmed in a press release Saturday.

Phil Wallis, who moved to the Vineyard in 2016 to take over the top post at the museum, helped bring an ambitious multi-million-dollar campaign to relocate the museum from Edgartown to the site of the old marine hospital in Vineyard Haven to the finish line.

After a massive renovation project transformed the property into a modern facility to house collections, the museum reopened to the public in the spring of 2019.

“I couldn’t be prouder of all that we have accomplished,” Mr. Wallis said in the press release announcing his departure. “I am a builder and creator of visions, and I came here to help make the longstanding dream of a new museum worthy of the Vineyard come true. Together, with the fantastic staff, board, donors and volunteers and all of the town officials who supported our vision, we were able to build a world class facility that exceeded all expectations. The museum is now ready for a new chapter to be written.”

The museum has been closed during the pandemic, with some programs running remotely.

Mr. Wallis will stay on through the summer as an advisor on special projects, the release said. He and his wife,  Carolyn, intend to remain on the Island.

In a letter that went out to museum donors late this week, board chairman Stever Aubrey said Heather Seger has been named interim director. Ms. Seger is currently serving as advancement director at the museum.

Mr. Wallis came to the Vineyard from Philadelphia, where he had served as executive director of the National Audubon Society’s Pennsylvania office. In the press release Mr. Aubrey thanked Mr. Wallis for all he had done, and said a search will be launched for a new executive director.

In his letter to donors Mr. Aubrey said Mr. Wallis is leaving “to pursue new opportunities.”

He also wrote: “In Phil’s words, ‘As we take a national pause on life as we know it, this seems an appropriate time to step down. The museum is now ready for a new chapter to be written to advance the success we have created together.’”