HUNTINGTON, NY.- – Dr. Michael W. Schantz has been appointed to serve as Executive Director of The Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, New York by the institution’s Board of Trustees effective November 1, 2010. Judith A. Jedlicka will continue in her role as Interim Executive Director through the end of her contract. Dr. Schantz was the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Woodmere Art Museum in Philadelphia for more than 25 years.

Dr. Schantz has extensive knowledge of all aspects of museum operations, from exhibitions to educational programs to fund-raising and community relations. He is a Board member of the Senior Artists Initiative in Philadelphia and has served as Chairman of the Philadelphia Mayor’s Art Advisory Board, a Board member of the Chestnut Hill Community Association and a Board member of Historic Northwest Coalition in Philadelphia. He is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums, the Museum Council of Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Arts & Business Council of Philadelphia and is a Peer Reviewer for the American Association of Museums (AAM).

In speaking of the appointment, Margaret Hargraves, Chairman of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, said “Given Michael’s extensive background and experience in the visual arts and museum management, we are indeed fortunate that he has agreed to lead the Museum and to help us enhance its position as one of the major cultural institutions on Long Island as we plan for our Centennial Year in 2020.” The Executive Director Search Committee was led by Bette Schneiderman, a Museum Trustee who worked with a diverse committee consisting of Museum Trustees, Museum staff members, arts and community members.

Schantz holds a Doctorate in Art History from the University of California, Los Angeles, an M.A. in Art from San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, and a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Fine Arts from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA.