John Bolthouse, executive director of the La Jolla Historical Society, announced he will be leaving his position with the society on Feb. 10 for a leadership role at another San Diego nonprofit organization. “I am sincerely grateful for the tremendous support from La Jolla I’ve been lucky to enjoy during my tenure,” Bolthouse said in a statement. “My decision to leave was a difficult one but presents a unique professional opportunity I couldn’t pass on.” Bolthouse noted an abundance of great memories to reflect upon from his time spent with the society — from seeing schoolchildren and ad- ults learn about the unique history of their La Jolla surroundings to witnessing the passion and dedication La Jollans have for protecting the heritage of their architecture. For more than five years, Bolthouse has helped lead the historical society in its transformation from a small community organization with modest funds, facilities and programs into one of La Jolla’s most beloved vibrant and dynamic nonprofit organizations with a multitude of offerings for the community. His leadership style, he said, both personally and professionally, is encompassed in his favorite Clara Barton motto, “It irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent.” “I’ve discovered — much to my pleasant surprise — that people here at the society have been open to sometimes taking a chance, to seek new opportunities and consider new ways of becoming both successful and relevant,” he said. “It made my job here much easier and more rewarding. For that, I’m grateful.” During his tenure, Bolthouse has been at the helm of many of the society’s successes, including the launch of a new public exhibition and gallery docent program, the introduction of youth outreach programs, an increase in local business partnerships, a larger professional staff, exponential growth in its financial assets, complete renovation of the archival collection storage facility and an expanded array of events for community members to enjoy. One of the society’s most notable successes under Bolthouse’s leadership was the Revelle family’s donation of the historic Wisteria Cottage to the society in 2008. “I am honored to have played a small role in the donation of the Wisteria Cottage to the historical society,” he said. “The cottage had been in La Jolla’s revered Scripps-Revelle family since 1905, so the fact that the late Ellen Revelle and her children believed in the vision and competency of the society’s dedicated volunteers and staff enough to gift this great historic property to us is gratifying indeed.” Through his leadership, the society has built a foundation of donor support that will enable the society to continue expanding its repertoire of programs to appeal to a growing demographic audience. Over the years, Bolthouse has also shaped the society’s board of directors into a group of enthusiastic leaders dedicated to passing on the trust of La Jolla’s history to future generations. “We’ve attracted some truly high-quality community leaders to this important body who are helping the society create the ‘culture of philanthropy’ needed to ensure the society has a dynamic future,” he said. Those very community leaders on the society’s board of directors will take the lead in searching for a successor — a candidate with large shoes to fill — to help shape the success of the historical society for many years to come. “This will present the society with a wonderful opportunity to have a fresh face and new voice as it looks toward its 50th anniversary in 2013,” he said. “I will always remember my time at the La Jolla Historical Society fondly. I intend to remain a supporter and look forward to watching its continued growth and success.”