NEW YORK, NY.- The New York Academy of Art, one of the nation’s premier independent graduate art schools, announced the appointment of Paul R. Provost, Ph.D., as its new President. A seasoned leader in both the non-profit and commercial art worlds, Dr. Provost brings over 25 years of strategic and visionary experience to the Academy.
Most recently, he served as the founding CEO of Art Bridges Foundation, where he transformed a $1.5 billion arts foundation into a national leader in museum collaboration, inclusive programming, and DEAI-focused initiatives. His career spans senior leadership roles at Christie’s, where he served as Deputy Chairman and global ambassador for the brand, as well as founder of a consulting firm advising philanthropists and institutions on art market strategy and cultural stewardship. With a doctorate in art history from Princeton and a deep commitment to arts education, equity, and institutional excellence, Dr. Provost is uniquely positioned to lead the Academy into its next chapter of growth, innovation, and impact. Provost will begin in his new role on April 28.
After 15 years of dedicated and exemplary leadership, longtime President David Kratz stepped down at the end of 2024. To find his successor, the New York Academy’s Board of Trustees enlisted the help of consultant Del Rio Byers. Nina Del Rio and Hannah Byers, working alongside a team at the Academy that included seven board members, faculty representatives, staZ, and students, led the process. Over the course of six months, an extensive and rigorous search began with more than 50 in-depth interviews with stakeholders that included staZ, students, faculty and administration, consultants, board members, donors, and other community members. Ultimately, after reviewing a diverse pool of candidates from across the country, the search narrowed to a final slate of a dozen candidates.
Board Chair Eileen Guggenheim remarked, “After meeting with the final group of candidates, it became clear that Paul’s passion for and deep expertise in Art History, coupled with unparalleled experience in leadership, represent a rare and remarkable combination. We are absolutely delighted to welcome him.”
Guggenheim also announced the appointment of five esteemed professionals to the Board of Trustees: Karen Brooks, Rick Davidman, David Howard, Michael Moore, and Frederica Wolfe. “The contributions of these new Trustees reflect not only their enduring dedication to the arts, but also their strong belief in the Academy’s mission,” she said. “We are honored to welcome such a distinguished and accomplished group. Their diverse perspectives and talents will undoubtedly enrich and strengthen our institution for years to come.”
New Board Members
In 2025, the New York Academy of Art is pleased to welcome the following individuals to its Board of Trustees:
• Karen Brooksis a professional bassoonist and arts advocate, trained at the New England Conservatory. She has performed with major orchestras, including the Minnesota Orchestra and Bogotá Filarmónica. She founded Mill City Summer Opera, expanding opera access to underserved youth. A longtime supporter of the Academy, she and her husband, Bob, are involved with a number of causes, including The Central Park Conservancy.
• Rick Davidman is a financial advisor specializing in the art community and founder of DFN Gallery. Davidman has long been a champion of the New York Academy, exhibiting many of its faculty and alumni over several decades, including Alyssa Monks, Peter Drake, Vincent Desiderio, Eric Fischl, and Bo Bartlett.
• David Howard is General Counsel, Disney Corporate Legal, for the Walt Disney Company, and former Corporate Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Microsoft. A former federal prosecutor, Howard has extensive experience at leading global law firms and as an executive at multinational corporations.
• Michael Moore is Global Director of Events at Gagosian Gallery. A longtime art professional, Moore previously served as Director of Events at Christie’s and Sotheby’s, where he championed a longstanding partnership with the New York Academy.
• Frederica Wolfe is a cum laude graduate of the New York Academy of Art (Sculpture), and brings her experience as an Academy alumna, a practicing artist, and a profound lifelong interest in visual art. As Chair of the Wolfe Family Charitable Foundation, she continues her family’s legacy of supporting the visual and performing arts.
