Daniel StetsonDaniel Stetson has resigned as executive director of the Hunter Museum of American Art and local attorney and arts advocate Virginia Anne Sharber has been named interim executive director.
Stetson took the position four years ago and said the decision was a mutual one that comes after discussions over the last several days.
"It isn't a performance issue or about cause," he said.
"It's more about fit."
The change will take place Jan. 31, and he said he is working with Sharber to make the transition easy.
"I'm very proud of the things we've accomplished and the things we've been developing over the last while," he said.
Stetson said that during his tenure, he saw a 14 percent increase in visits to the museum, an increase in the number of professional staff and the renovations of the mansion, the museum's main building.
"The museum is at a new level of excellence and quality, and I'm very happy to have been a part of that," he said.
Regina Rose, chair of the Hunter Museum board, said in a news release, "We are very appreciative of Dan's service to the museum as well as his passion for the Hunter and for Chattanooga. Dan has been instrumental in bringing nationally recognized exhibitions to the Hunter and leading us through a period of continued growth and stability during his tenure."
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6354.