Outgoing CMA director receives Order of the Palmetto

PRESS RELEASE

March 30, 2026

Della Watkins recognized for her leadership and impact

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art’s outgoing executive director, Della Watkins, has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of her years of leadership, impact, achievements, and contributions to the state and its residents.  

On behalf of Governor McMaster, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann surprised Watkins with the award at the CMA on Thursday, March 26, during the South Carolina Arts Commission’s presentation of the annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts. Under Watkins’ leadership, the CMA received the inaugural Governor’s Award for the Arts in the category of accessibility.    

Watkins, who has served as the museum’s executive director since 2017, has stepped down from her role to take care of her elderly parents in Virginia. Robin Waites, former head of Historic Columbia, takes the helm as interim director on Wednesday, April 1, as the search for a new director progresses.  

Image above:  From left: Della Watkins, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, CMA board of trustees president Therese Griffin, and SCAC executive director David T. Platts. Photo courtesy Drew Baron / The Columbia Museum of Art.