Institute Welcomes Dr. Daniel O’Leary Daniel E. O’Leary, Ph.D., director of the Winslow Homer Studio Project in Scarborough, Maine, has been named president of Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute by a unanimous vote of the MWPAI board of trustees. The new president was chosen after an extensive national search which began in spring 2008. John Stetson, MWPAI board of trustees member and chairman of the search committee, said nine candidates were interviewed before the final selection was made. Dr. O’Leary said he was drawn to the position by the diversity and scope of the Institute’s programming and resources. “The chance to play a role in Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute's future represents an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime,” he said. “There are very few places in America where one cultural institution achieves such a full and diverse mission.” With more than 24 years experience managing arts institutions, he is currently pursuing completion of an $8.3 million campaign to acquire, preserve, and interpret the studio and home of Winslow Homer at Prouts Neck, Maine. Prior to that, he served 15 years leading the Portland Museum of Art in Maine. Over his tenure he strengthened staff and increased the endowment significantly. He raised $13 million for the restoration of two of the Museum’s historic buildings. As assistant director of the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, Dr. O’Leary coordinated a four-year effort that increased annual attendance from 280,000 to 575,000 and completed a major capital campaign. While serving as director of Artrain USA in Ann Arbor Michigan, he raised corporate donations 250% and doubled national attendance. “This is an exciting time for the Institute,” Michael Cominsky, chairman of the MWPAI board of trustees, said. “Dan has a long history of successes and we look forward to what his many strengths will bring to us.” After exploring the greater Utica region with his wife, artist Kathy Bouchard, Dr. O’Leary became enthusiastic about the area. “In addition to the cultural resources of MWPAI and the extensive natural resources of the area, we have found the warmth and appeal of the people here to be extraordinary,” he said. “We look forward to becoming very active and caring members of this community." Dr. O’Leary holds a Ph.D. in history of art from the University of Michigan; an M.B.A. in marketing and management, an M.A. in history of art and an M.A. in English literature, all from the University of Michigan; and a B.A. in history of art from Princeton University. To Our Valued Members Each organization I have been fortunate to work with has been assisted, supported, and celebrated by its members, who after all are the crucial and most devoted participants. It will be a pleasure, as well as a valuable learning experience, to meet MWPAI members and learn your views about this extraordinary institution. Hopefully you will feel willing to tell me your favorite features of MWPAI, and just as importantly, anything you would like us to work on improving. Daniel O’Leary