SYRACUSE.- The Everson Museum of Art is pleased to announce that Steven Kern will be assuming the position of Director by July 1, 2008. Kern was selected after a six-month long search led by Richard Capozza, Everson Museum of Art Board Vice President, and a committee of Everson Trustees, as well as the search firm DHR International.

Kern has 25 years’ museum senior management experience. Most recently, he served as director of the William Benton Museum of Art at the University of Connecticut, where he completed an artistic redirection of museum programs; implemented a comprehensive graphic plan and identity campaign; developed a holistic facilities plan; and initiated a plan to identify underserved constituencies. Prior to his position in Connecticut, Kern served as the curator of European art at the San Diego Museum of Art for over 10 years.

“We look forward to Steven joining us at the Everson, and leading us in making significant strides toward the Museum’s major goals,” said Capozza. “Steven brings to the Everson diverse experience in marketing and physical structure improvements to keep museums relevant and exciting in a changing world, which will help further expand the Everson’s reputation as a high-ranking museum of art.”

Kern comes to the Everson at a time of great opportunity. The planning stages are well underway for a blockbuster exhibition of French impressionist paintings, Turner to Cézanne, Masterpieces from the Davies Collection, National Museum of Wales, opening in October 2009. Syracuse, N.Y., is one of only five cities in which the Davies Collection will be displayed. Many important facility updates are in the planning stages to accommodate the exhibition.

Kern replaces Sandra Trop, who served the museum as director for 12 years and helped drive its success.

“During the 112 years of Everson history, there have been only eight directors. Each have brought a different magic and series of accomplishments to the Museum,” said Trop. “We now look with anticipation to Steven Kern, the ninth director, to leave his special mark on the Everson.”