Leslie Griesbach Schultz Will Step Down As President Of BRIC Next June

Pamela Wong -
Leslie Griesbach Schultz (Photo courtesy of BRIC)

FORT GREENE – As BRIC ushers in its 40th year next June, the organization will also bid farewell to its leader, Leslie Griesbach Schultz.

Schultz announced on Wednesday that she is stepping down as President of BRIC, a position she’s held since 2005, ending her tenure in June 2018 as the organization begins celebrating its 40th anniversary.

“Serving as the head of BRIC these past 12 years has been the great privilege and joy of my career,” Schultz said in an email announcing her departure. “Over the last decade, BRIC has reached new heights, re-dedicating its mission to promoting access to arts and media for all, to providing meaningful support for artists and media-makers who truly reflect the diversity of our City, and to amplifying Brooklyn voices and Brooklyn stories.”

Prior to joining BRIC, Schultz was a partner at the New York law firm Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, where she practiced corporate law specializing in non-profit transactions and capital projects.

BRIC House, 647 Fulton Street, Fort Greene (Photo: Pamela Wong/BKLYNER)

During her time with BRIC, she has grown the organization’s annual operating revenues from $3.7M to $15.8M; more than doubled the size of the staff; launched the $45 million, 40,000-square-foot arts and media complex BRIC House (647 Fulton Street); and expanded programming to include the New York Emmy Award-winning BRIC TV, Brooklyn Free Speech TV, BRIC JazzFest, BRIC House Sessions, The Stoop Series, BRIC Radio, and BRICLab artist residencies along with BRIC’s popular Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival.

“Leslie has been a driving force behind the growth of BRIC and its expanding role as a leader in the New York City cultural landscape,” Hilary Ackermann, Chair of BRIC’s Board of Directors, said in a statement. “BRIC would not be where it is today, were it not for Leslie’s stewardship.”

“As BRIC proudly approaches its 40th anniversary year, and begins to dream and plan for the next 40 years, it seems the perfect moment to help usher in BRIC’s next era of growth by welcoming the next generation of leadership,” Schultz added. “I will be sad to say goodbye in June, but I am excited for the new chapter ahead, both for myself and for BRIC.”

BRIC’s Board of Directors is conducting a nationwide search for a new president.

Learn more at bricartsmedia.org.