The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) has launched a national search for a full-time executive director to capitalize on future growth opportunities. Dan Weiss, a former member of the JAG board of directors and recent past president, was appointed interim executive director, effective January 3, 2012.
“As the result of a recent strategic planning process, the board of directors redefined the role of executive director to realize the scale and scope of our ambitions for the organization,” said Carol McGuire, JAG board president. “Advancing the Jazz Arts Group’s growth requires an executive leader dedicated exclusively to our organization,” she said.
Current Executive Director Robert Breithaupt is also engaged as professor of music and department chair of performance studies at Capital University, drummer with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, touring musician, consultant and entrepreneur. Breithaupt’s tenure will end January 31, and he will continue as CJO’s drummer.
Under Breithaupt’s leadership, JAG’s performance and educational programming
have increased substantially over the decade. Recent achievements catapulted
JAG into the local and national spotlight. JAG received The Columbus
Foundation Award in September 2011, the only performing arts organization to
receive the honor. Two consecutive Doris Duke Charitable Foundation grants,
with 12 collaborating partners around the country, have added to JAG’s
national stature.
Until his JAG appointment, Weiss was executive director and chief investment
officer of the Ohio Highway Patrol Retirement System, where he was
responsible for the overall management of the $700 million public pension
plan.
Weiss served on the JAG board of directors for nearly nine years. “Dan’s
knowledge of the organization, our staff and stakeholders means that he will
hit the ground running,” McGuire said.
“This organization has a history of excellence that will serve as a
springboard for future opportunities,” Weiss stated. “I look forward to
helping to advance the Jazz Arts Group’s role as an innovator in jazz
performance and music education. We will continue to spread the good word of
jazz and its role in the American cultural experience.”
Byron Stripling’s position as JAG’s artistic director is not affected by the
management transition. JAG is officially celebrating his 10th anniversary
with JAG throughout the year.
Stripling commented, “As I celebrate my tenth anniversary as artistic
director of the Jazz Arts Group, I realize we are fortunate to have a man
with Bob’s considerable talents and energies lead our organization over the
past decade.”
Since his appointment as executive director in 2001, Breithaupt has overseen
the growth in JAG’s reputation as Columbus’ third-largest performing arts
organization. He spearheaded the establishment of the Jazz Academy, which
was integral to the restoration of the Lincoln Theatre and revitalization of
the King-Lincoln District. Breithaupt was the founding chair of the Columbus
Cultural Leadership Consortium.
“Bob’s visionary thinking, coupled with Byron Stripling’s artistic
leadership, have broadened JAG’s impact locally, nationally and
internationally,” McGuire said.
Breithaupt stated, “It was the opportunity of a lifetime to assume the
leadership of JAG and work with our entire team to shape it into the
successful and respected organization it has become today. I am certain that
JAG will continue to flourish and expand its reputation as a national leader
communicating the vibrancy of America’s unique art form.”
Anthony Salvatore, treasurer of the Jazz Arts Group and an executive at
Fifth Third Bank, chairs the transition committee leading the search for
JAG’s next executive director. JAG will use its extensive network in the
jazz and arts community to identify candidates for the position.
As one of the newest members of the band, in the course of its 30+ year history, I’d like to say “Thank you, Bob, for your outstanding vision and leadership of the Jazz Arts Group during your tenure as Executive Director.” And a hearty welcome to Dan Weiss, our new interim Director. May our JAG have a long and prosperous future.
Linda