Anne O’Dell has stepped down as executive director of Erie Arts & Culture.

The nonprofit announced her departure in a news release Wednesday. No reason was given for O’Dell leaving and she couldn’t be reached for comment. Michelle Butler, Erie Arts & Culture’s board chair, told the Erie Times-News via email that O’Dell’s last day was Friday. Butler said she couldn’t share details at this time about why O’Dell was stepping down.

Butler did say, “The recent release of our strategic plan and new brand presence are indicators of the critical work accomplished under Anne’s leadership. I am very excited that we can use this transition to continue to grow our internal talent and so proud of (the) ever-evolving role that Erie Arts & Culture plays in our regional arts community.”

What is Erie Arts & Culture?

In a story earlier this year, O’Dell told the Erie Times-News and GoErie.com that Erie Arts & Culture is “a resource connector” that supports “a vibrant region through the arts.” The nonprofit receives money from state and federal grants, private donations and endowments. It works to make sure that individual artists, creative entrepreneurs and organization leaders have the resources they need to fulfill their visions for themselves or their organizations.

Who is Anne O’Dell?

O’Dell became the executive director of Erie Arts & Culture in May of 2023.

Prior to coming to Erie, she was vice president of programs and operations at the Workhouse Arts Center, a multidisciplinary arts center with galleries, studios, a theater and more in Lorton, Virginia.

In 2022, O’Dell published the book “The Nonviolent Organization: How to be kind at work and how work can be kind to the world,” which offers practices for individual people and organizations to create well-being at work and in the world.

From February:Anne O’Dell promotes Erie Arts & Culture in region

Her predecessor at Erie Arts & Culture, Patrick Fisher, had left in 2023 after a nearly five-year tenure during which he championed public art in Erie County, including numerous murals.

Who is leading the nonprofit now?

Casey Corritore, who has been the organization’s Arts, Culture and Creative Entrepreneurship Program officer, will serve as interim executive director, effective immediately, according to the news release.

“We are grateful for Anne’s contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. We continue, as always, to rely on the strength of our team. Casey is an incredible talent with a deep connection to the community and a passion for the work that will help us navigate this transition,” Butler said in the release.

She said the board “is targeting to launch and conclude a search for a new executive director in the next four months.”

Dana Massing can be reached at [email protected].