FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 30, 2023
From: Dunedin Fine Art Center
Contact: Cassy Combs @ 727.298.DFAC, x245

 

(DUNEDIN, Fla.) – After 19 years of service, Dunedin Fine Art Center (DFAC) President/CEO George Ann Bissett has announced that she will depart the organization in September 2023. The Board of Directors has retained Kittleman & Associates, LLC to recruit the organization’s next CEO.

“It is time for a new person to take the helm of this successful art center,” said Bissett. “When I joined the organization in 2005, local media heralded us as ‘mighty but small’. I’m proud of our accomplishments to build on DFAC’s strengths over the years.”

During Bissett’s tenure, DFAC has grown its physical footprint from an 18,000 sq. ft. building to 40,000 sq. ft. with 20 working studios and seven galleries. Through the Creative Visions Capital Campaign, DFAC raised more than $7.5 million to add the Food Arts Studio and renovate existing facilities. Staff has expanded from three full-time creative employees to 17.

Prior to joining DFAC, Bissett served as Major Gifts Officer of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill specializing in capital campaigns. She leveraged this expertise, alongside communications, curatorial, and educational staff, to build a new future for the art center.

“George Ann can truly be considered one of the ‘Founders’ of the Dunedin Fine Art Center,” said Julie Scales, Chair of the Search Committee to find Bissett’s replacement. “During her long tenure, she expanded the physical footprint of the Center; increased the offerings of the Center; led, and increased, a very talented and dedicated staff; maintained the high quality of the Center’s instructors; increased the outreach of the Center throughout the City of Dunedin and far beyond; and helped put the Art Center on secure financial footing. Not only did she bring the Art Center to the next level, but she has laid the groundwork for future growth.”

When asked what she plans to do in her retirement, she says “I look forward to my next challenge working with another not-for-profit organization on a capital campaign.” “I have known George Ann for many years and have enjoyed watching DFAC flourish under her leadership,” said Mike Bowman, Chair of the Board of Directors. “I feel confident that any endeavors that she undertakes will be successful.”

 

Dunedin Fine Art Center
1143 Michigan Blvd.
Dunedin, FL 34698

727.298.DFAC
www.dfac.org

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