Donald Opatrny To Succeed Neil Marcus As Chairman Of The Board Of Trustees Of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
August, 2007Harry Philbrick, director of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum announced today that Donald Opatrny was elected Chairman of The Board of Trustees, succeeding Neil Marcus. Jennifer Aniskovich also joins as a new member, and Meagan Julian returns to the Board.
Philbrick comments, “Don has been a dedicated and valuable member of The Aldrich’s Board since 2001, and we appreciate the commitment he exhibits in taking on this new role. He has already made a truly significant contribution to the Museum as chairman of the building committee and it has been my pleasure to work with him on the realization of our wonderful new space. At the same time, we honor Neil Marcus, who has been an exemplary Chairman and leader during a period of growth. Neil has served on the Board since 2001 and we are extremely pleased that he will remain with us as we move ahead.”
“I am also very happy to welcome Jennifer Aniskovich and to welcome back Meagan Julian.”
A resident of Greenwich, Mr. Opatrny is an exceptional example of an extremely successful individual who uses his significant abilities to give back to the community. He enjoyed a 28-year career at Goldman Sachs where he held senior positions in Investment Banking (both U.S. and Europe), Equities, Fixed Income, Infrastructure and Asset Management. He is an active collector of contemporary art as well as mid-twentieth-century European photography.
“The Aldrich is one of the greatest contemporary art institutions around and is fortunate to enjoy superb Museum leadership,” Mr. Opatrny said. “It is my distinct pleasure to work with such a diversely talented and highly qualified Board of Trustees and staff. I salute Neil Marcus for the high standard he has set and look forward to guiding the Museum into the future."
Ms. Aniskovich, a Branford resident, is a private consultant who provides direction to nonprofit clients regarding board development, fundraising, programmatic design and strategic planning. She most recently served as the first executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, a position to which she was appointed by Governor John G. Rowland and reappointed by Governor M. Jodi Rell.
Mrs. Julian and her husband Alexander—a renowned designer—enjoyed a long-time friendship with Larry Aldrich, the Museum’s Founder. Residents of Ridgefield, the Julians have been involved with The Aldrich for many years. Mrs. Julian will return to the Board to resume her particular focus on education and community outreach initiatives.
“More important than their impressive credentials, Don, Jennifer, and Meagan are faithfully committed to The Aldrich’s mission to be a national leader in the exhibition of significant and challenging contemporary art with an emphasis on emerging and mid-career artists, a world-class innovator of museum education programs, and a vital cultural resource for our community,” says Harry Philbrick.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
Board of Trustees
Donald Opatrny, Chairman of the Board
A. Peter Sallick, Vice-Chairman
Mark Goldstein, Treasurer/Secretary
Jennifer Aniskovich
Annadurai Amirthalingam
Richard Anderson
William Burback
Robert Cottingham
Steven F. Goldstone
Tod Hamachek
Georganne Aldrich Heller, Honorary Trustee
Meagan Julian
Ruby Lerner
Neil Marcus
Kathleen O’Grady
Gregory Peterson
Peter Robbins
Martin Sosnoff, Trustee Emeritus
John Tremaine
Richard F. Tucker, Trustee Emeritus
Image: Donald Opatrny, 2007
