Ridgefield Native is Katonah Museum of Art Interim Executive Director

The Katonah Museum of Art (KMA) Board of Trustees announced today that Leslie Griesbach Schultz has been appointed Interim Executive Director.

A seasoned arts executive, Schultz focuses on nonprofit leadership transitions. She has extensive experience working with philanthropic organizations and their senior management teams, including 13 years as president of BRIC, a Brooklyn-based arts and media organization, and 20 years as an attorney (most recently as a partner at Manatt, Phelps & Philips). Schultz, a graduate of Harvard Law School, grew up in Ridgefield, Conn.

“We are excited to have Leslie join the KMA,” said KMA Board Vice President and Search Committee Chair Craig Intinarelli. “Her expertise as an interim director and as an arts organization leader will serve the KMA team and community well. We look forward to our collaboration with her.”

Before joining the KMA, Schultz served as Interim CEO/Executive Director of a number of nonprofit organizations in the greater New York City area. Previously, from 2005 to 2018, Leslie headed a successful effort to develop and fund BRIC Arts | Media House, a major arts and media venue in the Brooklyn Cultural District. Her leadership raised the profile, strengthened the programs, and heightened the impact of BRIC’s work, enabling the organization to achieve its mission to make great art and independent media free and welcoming on a large scale, as well as to support Brooklyn artists and mediamakers.

“I feel very fortunate to be joining the Katonah Museum of Art as its Interim Executive Director,” said Schultz. “The dedication and love that the Staff, Board, Advisory Board, Emeriti and Artists’ Association have for this cultural gem has been evident throughout our conversations. I look forward to getting better acquainted with the people who make up the Museum’s community and to working with them to ensure that this time of leadership transition is meaningful, productive and invigorating.”

Schultz will lead the KMA while the Board conducts a nationwide search for a permanent Executive Director, headed by Lisa Byala, founder and principal of ByalaSearch. “We are confident that Leslie will lay the groundwork for a new Executive Director to envision and realize the Katonah Museum of Art’s potential,” said KMA Board President Vida Foubister.

“This is an exciting time for the KMA to strengthen relationships with its community, its collectors and patrons, and with other arts and culture organizations that want to engage with and help to shape its future in a full and vibrant way.”