The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the election of business and civic leader Daniel Brodsky, a Trustee of the institution since 2001, as its next Chairman of the Board. Mr. Brodsky will officially assume the chairmanship on September 13, when James R. Houghton retires from the post after 13 years to become a Trustee Emeritus.
“I am both proud and delighted that Dan Brodsky will succeed me as Chairman of our generous and visionary Board,” said Mr. Houghton in making the announcement. “Dan’s broad knowledge of the Museum, his record of accomplishment both at the Met and in leadership roles with other major institutions in our city, and his unique combination of wisdom, experience, and energy make him the perfect choice to assume this vast responsibility. I feel the utmost confidence in turning over the chairmanship to Dan, and know that he will enjoy, as much as I have, the privilege and pleasure of working with the greatest staff at the greatest museum in the world.”
Commented Mr. Brodsky: “I am deeply honored by this expression of confidence by my fellow Trustees, and I look forward to the challenge with optimism and excitement. To the Board, Museum leadership, staff, and public I pledge my full commitment to supporting the Metropolitan’s unparalleled, unbroken record of accomplishment and service in fulfillment of its historic mission. Above all, I offer my heartfelt thanks and admiration to a truly outstanding Chairman, Jamie Houghton, whose counsel I have treasured and whose record of leadership will serve as a beacon for me and all his future successors.”
Mr. Houghton officially informed the Board of his retirement on March 8. The Trustees then named a Board Succession Committee, which went on to study and recommend a new candidate. Its members included: Henry Schacht, Chairman; S. Parker Gilbert and Annette de la Renta, Vice Chairmen; Jeffrey W. Greenberg, Joyce Frank Menschel, Cynthia Hazen Polsky, Frank E. Richardson, James E. Shipp, and Shelby White. The full Board voted to elect Mr. Brodsky as Chairman at today’s regularly scheduled meeting of the Trustees.
Commented Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of the Museum: “I am delighted by the election of Dan Brodsky and look forward to working ever more closely with him in leading this institution into the next decade of the new century. Dan’s blend of vision and patience—his experience in both the worlds of business and culture—make him the ideal Chairman to help ensure the long-term strength of the museum he loves so much and has served so ably. We have exciting work ahead of us, and I have every faith that Dan will maintain the tradition of thoughtful board leadership that has served the Metropolitan Museum’s audiences—local, national, and international—so well over the years.”
Noted Emily K. Rafferty, President of the Met: “I have had the honor of working with Dan Brodsky on a number of key projects over the past decades, particularly through his leadership of our Real Estate Council. In a period of unprecedented challenge, his devotion and knowledge contributed immensely to preserving and protecting our institution forward. Needless to say, I am most eager to continue working under his leadership to continue moving the Museum forward into the future.”
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