The Board of Trustees of the Dayton Art Institute, with deep appreciation and gratitude, announces that Michael R. Roediger will be stepping down from his role as Director & President on Friday, October 31, 2025. Michael has loyally served the museum for 14 years and will leave a legacy of servant leadership and a dedication to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. He has also fostered the care of his team, strong relationships, community service and an extraordinary commitment to making the collection more inclusive of marginalized artists.
Michael is a member of the Association of Art Museum Directors and is the first Director to be born and raised in Dayton. In his time at the DAI, he has led the organization in the retiring of $16 million in debt and raised an additional $19 million in capital and endowment funding. He has overseen the renovation of the museum’s historic grand staircases, fountains, galleries, the Rose Auditorium and the education floor, as well as making the museum more accessible for guests with different abilities. In addition, with his oversight, the DAI has worked to have numerous works conserved for the preservation of the collection for generations to come.
Michael’s deep commitment to community shines through the honors he’s earned. In 2024, the National Conference for Community and Justice presented him with its Humanitarian Award for championing inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility both at DAI and beyond. In addition, the Greater Dayton Region Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals named him Outstanding Fundraising Executive, one of many distinctions that testify not only to his impact on the museum, but to the vibrant, welcoming community his leadership has helped to create.
“Leading the DAI has been a privilege and a highlight of my career. The staff are incredible, and the collection is one of the finest in the country if not the world. I will miss my DAI family, but I will be cheering them on from the sidelines,” said Michael.
Michael is leaving to pursue other opportunities and to honor the Dayton Art Institute, per his request, there will be no farewell celebration. Rather, he requests gifts be made to the museum in his honor. For more information about donating, contact Membership & Individual Giving Officer Kaytee Yantis-Houser, at [email protected] or 937-223-5277, ext. 264.
As we begin our next chapter, Michael’s deep institutional expertise and wide-ranging industry contacts will remain invaluable. His collaborative nature, fundraising prowess and unwavering dedication to our mission have set the groundwork for everything we will build moving forward.
Mark Shaker, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, will function as the Interim Director and President. As the former President and CEO of Miami Valley Hospital, Mark brings a wealth of leadership knowledge and experience to the DAI during this transition. Together, we will build on a strong heritage as we plan for the next chapter for one of Dayton, Ohio’s most treasured institutions for generations to come.
