Cathy Malloy, CEO of the Greater Hartford Arts Council, says she is stepping down after leading the organization for nine years.
Malloy, wife of former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who is now the chancellor of the University of Maine System, said she plans to remain with the Arts Council in the “near-term” to support its interim leadership transition.
Kate McOmber, vice president of communications and donor relations since 2018, will serve as the organization’s interim CEO as its board of directors launch a national search for Malloy’s permanent replacement.
Malloy, who previously served as CEO of The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling, said she plans to continue in executive leadership roles in the future.
“It’s been an honor to serve the arts and culture community of Greater Hartford with a wonderful team of talented professionals and a dedicated board of directors,” Malloy said in a statement.
“This has been a long-planned departure, but I know the Arts Council is strong and we have the right board and core team to continue the promise of our work to improve lives and transform communities.”
[Read more: Cathy Malloy reflects on the struggle for new arts dollars]
Under Malloy’s leadership, Arts Council officials say the group has improved its financial health and has executed two key strategic plans. Those include addressing board leadership and structure, the grants process and developing a model for sustainability with a fee-for-service initiative.
The Arts Council was also able to increase partnerships with the city and other corporate partners, including Raytheon Technologies, formerly United Technologies Corp., which funded its signature Summer in the City program and Make Music Hartford.
“Cathy’s leadership, intellect, energy and dedication will be missed, but she is leaving our community with a stronger organization poised for even greater success in the future,” said Board President Paul Guzzardi.
Founded nearly 50 years ago, the Arts Council provides financial and organization resources to the region’s arts and cultural sector, among other resources.
