The inaugural executive director of the Philip Johnson Glass House tendered her resignation on Friday—thus ending her fruitful chapter with the organization and beginning the search for the next executive director.

Christy MacLear's five-year tenure at the helm of the Glass House organization will come to an end in October, when she will become executive director of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the late artist.

"An opportunity came my way for a very similar challenge to start something up from scratch with Rauschenberg," said MacLear, who has seen the Glass House evolve from a private residence in New Canaan to a public museum, drawing interest from fans of architecture and art from around the world. "But it's still not an easy decision to leave."

Under MacLear's stewardship, the Glass House went through several transformations before becoming a museum.  Not only did MacLear go through all necessary renovations to make sure the museum was compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, she also built the Glass House's endowment through an extensive artwork auction and preserved the natural view from the Glass House by purchasing surrounding land.

"I feel like the Glass House is a great spot and I can move on now," said MacLear.

According to her peers, MacLear's vision and leadership were essential to the growth of the Philip Johnson Glass House.

"Christy [MacLear] was instrumental in overseeing everything that took place," said Claire Hunter, public relations representative for the Glass House. "[MacLear] has put us on a fantastic path… We've really grown as an organization and we'll be maintaining the site and the museum going forward."

MacLear believes there is much to be excited about for the future of the Philip Johnson Glass House. The next executive director will certainly have their work cut out for them, as the Glass House will soon begin a preservation project on the Brick House, the partner building of the Glass House. The Glass House organization also expects to partner with Yale to study modern preservation.

As for the next executive director, MacLear has some ideas of who would be a good fit.

"I think [the next executive director] is very collaborative, has a strong and creative leadership style and is interested in continuing to fortify the parnerships and relationships we've established in the early years," said MacLear.

And even though MacLear is stepping down from her position at the Glass House, she has grown to love New Canaan.

"New Canaan is very close to my heart," said MacLear. "When you invest in a community like New Canaan it's impossible to not become a part of it."