Hasta La Ideas

Willis (“Buzz”) Hartshorn, who has served as director of the International Center of Photograpy since 1994, will step down due to health reasons, the institution announced today. Hartshorn, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, will transition to a new, unspecified full-time executive role at ICP once his successor is in place. In light of the news, ICP’s board has formed a search committee and retained Russell Reynolds Associates to conduct an international search for a new director. “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to build on the legacy of Cornell Capa, working with a talented staff and engaged board,” said Hartshorn, who joined the ICP staff in 1982. “I particularly appreciate their support, as I look ahead to continuing to serve the institution in new capacities.”

Among Hartshorn’s many achievements as director of the New York-based institution was raising more than $20 million in a 2001 capital campaign (the institution’s first) to move ICP from 94th Street to its current dual sites at 43rd and Avenue of the Americas. During his tenure, the endowment has grown from $700,000 to $11 million. Most recently, Hartshorn directed a planning process that “envisions a facility that would enhance integration of the exhibition, collection, and education programs,” according to a statement issued today by ICP. “Buzz and his team have led ICP from strength to strength throughout his 17-year tenure, from its exhibition programs, to its greatly increased endowment, to the breadth and depth of its educational programs and the photography talent trained by ICP, to its leading position in the world of photography,” said Jeffrey A. Rosen, president of the ICP Board of Trustees. “All are a testament to his legacy.”

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.