President, CEO Of Dunedin Fine Art Center To Retire After 19 Years

DUNEDIN, FL — After 19 years of service, Dunedin Fine Art Center President and CEO George Ann Bissett has announced that she will depart the organization in September. The board of directors has retained Kittleman & Associates LLC to recruit the organization’s next CEO.

“It is time for a new person to take the helm of this successful art center,” said Bissett. “When I joined the organization in 2005, local media heralded us as mighty but small. I’m proud of our accomplishments to build on DFAC’s strengths over the years.”

During Bissett’s tenure, DFAC at 1143 Michigan Blvd. has grown its physical footprint from an 18,000-square-foot building to 40,000 square feet with 20 working studios and seven galleries. Through the Creative Visions Capital Campaign, DFAC raised more than $7.5 million to add the Food Arts Studio and renovate existing facilities. Staff has expanded from three full-time creative employees to 17.

Prior to joining DFAC, Bissett served as major gifts officer of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in capital campaigns. She leveraged this expertise, alongside communications, curatorial and educational staff, to build a new future for the art center.

“George Ann can truly be considered one of the founders of the Dunedin Fine Art Center,” said Julie Scales, chair of the search committee to find Bissett’s replacement. “During her long tenure, she expanded the physical footprint of the center; increased the offerings of the center; led and increased a very talented and dedicated staff; maintained the high quality of the center’s instructors; increased the outreach of the center throughout the city of Dunedin and far beyond; and helped put the art center on secure financial footing. Not only did she bring the art center to the next level, but she has laid the groundwork for future growth.”

“I have known George Ann for many years and have enjoyed watching DFAC flourish under her leadership,” said Mike Bowman, chairman of the board of directors. “I feel confident that any endeavors that she undertakes will be successful.”

Bissett said she's looking forward to helping another nonprofit grow.

“I look forward to my next challenge working with another not-for-profit organization on a capital campaign," she said.