An Interim President for The Olana Partership

When, at the farewell brunch for Sara Griffen last fall, Rick Sharp, chair of The Olana Partnership board, displayed this image during his tribute to Griffen, it was clear that finding a replacement for the longtime TOP president would not be an easy task. Today, it was announced that the trustees have confirmed the appointment of an interim president: Rena Zurofsky. The press release reads in part: 

Zurofsky brings thirty years of experience and an extensive background in the museum field to her role as Interim President. She has previously served as Interim Director for other National Historic Sites, including Philip Johnson Glass House and Chesterwood, as well as for museums. As a consultant for the past fourteen years, she has specialized in stabilization and optimization of cultural institutions. Prior to founding her firm, Zurofsky held positions at the American Museum of Natural History, the Newark Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

"Frederic Church's Olana is one of the country's most beautiful and significant estates. Art, architecture, and landscape design combine to fully embody the sublime vision of the Hudson River School, the first truly American art movement. I am privileged to be here," says Zurofsky.

Zurofsky resides in the Berkshires and holds and MBA from Columbia University. She has taught graduate courses in nonprofit arts management and marketing at NYU, and has lectured on the same subjects internationally.

Photo courtesy B. Docktor