NORWICH – Last week, The Chenango Arts Council announced that longtime Executive Director Victoria Calvert Kappel will be leaving the organization at the end of June. The change comes as a bit of a surprise to many. But nonetheless, the Council's Board of Directors is already poising to take necessary steps to fill what they are calling “big shoes.”

Lisa A. Natoli, Esq., President of the Chenango Arts Council – previously known as the Chenango County Council of the Arts – said, “The selection panel will be meeting this week to establish criteria for what will be a nationwide search to fill the position.”

Natoli indicated that former Board President Dominick Shea is currently working on the preliminary stages of the organization’s replacement strategy, and the council will act quickly and aggressively to retain the next executive director to insure a seamless transition. A selection committee was formed to conduct the search for the next executive director.

In a press release, Kappel, who has been Executive Director since 1999, says, “Fifteen years ago, my family and I arrived in Chenango County from the Midwest, and were immediately and unreservedly welcomed into the community. Both personally and professionally, these years have solidified my love for this county and organization, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity. It is now time for me to explore new challenges and adventures, and cheer on a new champion of the Arts Council.”