DAYTON, OH.- The Dayton Art Institute is resuming its search for a new director because of director-designate David Brigham’s desire to live in the Cincinnati area instead of the Dayton market.

“We are deeply disappointed that David will not be the next director of The Dayton Art Institute. Everyone who met David thought he would be an excellent director,” said Joseph A. Zehenny, chair of the board of trustees.

“Unfortunately, David chose for personal reasons to not live in the Dayton market.”

“The Dayton Art Institute is a community-based organization. It is dependent on community support for its existence. Allowing a director to live outside the community would send the wrong signal to our supporters and could undermine support for the museum and its mission.”

“Although David will not be joining us, we retain a very high regard for David and we wish him and his family all the best.”

Zehenny said the museum would resume the search for a new director. He said Korn/Ferry International will continue as the museum’s search firm and, under terms of its agreement with The Dayton Art Institute, will complete the search for no additional fee. He said he expects to have a pool of candidates for consideration by early fall and a new director chosen by the end of the year.

“All the feedback we received from candidates who interviewed for the job and from museum professionals around the country indicates that The Dayton Art Institute is well-regarded and we are confident we will have excellent candidates for the director’s job,” said Zehenny. “The board is committed to taking as much time as necessary to ensure we pick the right person for the museum and for the greater Dayton community.”

Zehenny said Brad Tillson will continue as interim director.