DSCC: Biggs Museum Names New Director

Wilmington DE

14 April, 2022

3:13 PM

Description

Press release from Delaware State Chamber of Commerce: April 9, 2022 The Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, Delaware is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Dudich as the Museum's next Director. He will assume his responsibilities on July 1, 2022 upon the retirement of Charles Guerin who has led the museum for the past seven years. Dudich most recently served as the Deputy Director – Operations & CFO for the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut. The Biggs's commitment to expanding its audience, partnering with the community, and the opportunity to reimagine and reposition the museum's physical spaces with the recent acquisition of 15/21 The Green, were noted by Dudich as key drivers in his decision for making the move to Dover. "Michael brings 30+ years of valuable experience in the management of complex organizations, spanning both for-profit and non-profit institutions," said Kathy Dwyer Southern, President of the Board of Trustees. "He is well known to both the board and staff, having himself served as a Bigg's Trustee for the past five years, demonstrating a deep commitment to the Museum. Working with him has been a pure pleasure as we together look forward to the museum's growth and evolution." "It is thrilling to have the opportunity to lead the Biggs into its next chapter," said Dudich. "Drawing on the expertise, energy, and ingenuity of people both in and outside the museum, I know we can build on the successes achieved during Charlie's tenure, to ensure we're an inviting, welcoming, and accessible place to connect with great art." At the Wadsworth, with 50,000 works of art and more than 90,000 visitors per year, Dudich provided leadership for the effective operational and financial management of the museum including implementation of strategic objectives and key organizational initiatives. Prior to joining the Wadsworth, he was Director of Administration and Human Resources at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, DC, where he made his transition from the corporate sector. While a Biggs Trustee, Dudich was both a co-chair and member of the Museum's Development Committee. This breadth of arts leadership experience, underpinned by his business background, makes him an exceptional fit as the Biggs charts a path for its second quarter century of service to Dover, to Delaware, and to the region. Dudich's educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Management from the University of Akron (Ohio) and post-graduate certifications in both mediation and arbitration. He and his husband, Buck Drummond, a veterinarian, will be settling in Old Dover and are eager to experience all that the area has to offer with being able to bike to work as an added bonus! This press release was produced by Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author's own.