HAMILTON, NJ.- On behalf of its Board of Trustees, Grounds For Sculpture announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, Gary Garrido Schneider. Schneider will take office on May 5, 2014, overseeing the 42-acre not-for-profit arts center and its operations. The change in leadership is expected to be seamless. Schneider will be guided by GFS Interim Executive Director, Michael Chang, as well as a select committee of board members established for the purpose of aiding in this transition. The executive search process was led by Arts Consulting Group.

Schneider possesses the leadership skills, creativity, vision and pragmatic strategic thinking that are necessary to assure the continued vibrancy and relevancy of arts institutions in the 21st century. He comes to GFS from the Montclair Art Museum, where he served as the organization’s Deputy Director, providing leadership in the areas of audience engagement, education, marketing, visitor services, special initiatives, and museum-wide strategic planning and assessment. Schneider is well-positioned to take the helm for GFS’s operations including fundraising, organizational management, and strategic plan implementation.

"I'm very excited about the inherent possibilities at Grounds For Sculpture," says Schneider, “Over the last 20 years, the sculpture park has grown to a world-class institution. Now we’re approaching a very exciting time in its evolution as it transitions from a founder-led model to one that is self-sustaining. I look forward to helping guide GFS toward long-term success and recognition."

Grounds For Sculpture extends its gratitude to Michael Chang for his vision, innovation, and clarity. His tenure at the arts center resulted in renewed enthusiasm and participation by both board and staff, and he will forever be respected for the work he accomplished setting the stage for this exciting time.