Judith Daykin To Retire as President and Executive Director of City Center

City Center’s president and executive director Judith Daykin announced today that she will retire from her position at the end of the 2002-2003 season.

“I am devoted to City Center and always will be,” Daykin said, “but I’ve been an arts administrator for four decades and it’s time for me to do the things I’ve always wanted to do–to tour the country, to spend time in my home in Key West, to write about my secret passion: the circus.”

Whether or not she was joking about that last part is uncertain, but Daykin was clear about her positive feelings toward the organization that she has served for the last decade: “I feel confident that I will be leaving City Center in great shape. Finanically, we’re sound; artistically, we remain committed to our resident companies and our Encores! series; plus we have a board of directors dedicated to the organization’s vision.”

Daykin worked with BAM, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and her own arts management firm prior to taking charge at City Center in 1992. During her time there, the center increased its programming and underwent major renovations. Daykin’s most celebrated innovation is the City Center Encores! series, which presents “great American musicals in concert” and has already become an institution in itself.

“Judith will leave behind a vibrant, healthy organization,” said City Center board chairman Raymond A. Lamontagne, who is responsible for creating a committee to find someone to replace Daykin as of Spring 2003. “By resuscitating City Center, she has made a very special contribution to the New York cultural scene. We are eternally grateful to her.”