SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.- Chuck Collins, Chair of the Art Institute Board of Trustees announced today that Larry Thomas has been appointed Interim President of the San Francisco Art Institute. “In light of Ella King Torrey’s recent resignation,” says Collins, “we are pleased to announce that Larry Thomas, who has a twenty-three year history with the Art Institute, has agreed take on the duties of the Interim President.” Thomas, who has been Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs since 1994, had planned to retire in June. “I am happy to remain at the Art Institute as long as I am needed to ensure a smooth transition,” says Thomas, “and I look forward to continuing to work with the wonderful students, faculty, staff and Board of the Art Institute as we develop the future plans for the school.”



In her position since 1995, Ella has overseen the expansion of the Art Institute’s programs in many areas, raised funds to more than triple the endowment and increase the annual giving by 500%, and strengthened the institution’s connections with the local, national and international art communities.



Charles Collins, Chairman of the Art Institute’s Board of Trustees, comments ’We have been very fortunate to have Ella’s leadership and vision guiding us through the last seven years. We have been strengthened by so many of her initiatives and are confident about our next steps.” Chuck Collins also announced that Buchman Associates, the consulting firm that has assisted the Art Institute in the Dean search and recent strategic planning activities and whose principal is Lorne M. Buchman, Ph. D. will be responsible for the functions of the Chief Executive Officer.



While Thomas will oversee academic, faculty, and student issues, Buchman will oversee the strategic planning, enrollment management and administrative functions of the Art Institute. “I am thrilled to engage more deeply with Lorne Buchman whose experience and insight will contribute a great deal to this institution,” says Thomas.



Buchman comments, “I have a great deal of respect for the history and focus of the Art Institute and I am eager to build on all that has been accomplished in recent years.”



The Art Institute’s search for a new Dean in progressing and a national search for a new President will begin in the fall. Until a new Dean is named, Thomas will continue in a dual role.



Larry Thomas served as chair and taught in the printmaking department at the Art Institute from 1983 until his appointment as Dean. Thomas received a BFA from the Memphis Academy of Arts and an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute.



Buchman Associates provides organizational development and strategic leadership to a wide range of non-profit and public entities. Clients include both large and small organizations in areas of education, arts and culture, environment, government and social services. Lorne Buchman has worked with numerous colleges including the University of California at Berkeley, Tufts University, John F. Kennedy University, KaplanCollege.com and the California College of Arts and Crafts, where he was President from 1992 until 1999.