Vicki Pritchett has resigned her position as executive director of the Johnson Center for the Arts in Troy. Her last official day as the art center’s director was Friday.

Bill Hopper, chairman of the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center board of directors, said the board appreciates Pritchett’s positive influence at the JCA for the past four-plus years.

“Vicki has done a wonderful job as the JCA’s director,” Hopper said. “We hated so see her go, but we understood the reasons behind her resignation. She’s leaving the Johnson Center in good condition financially and the art exhibits are scheduled through 2017 and into 2018. We have a very good staff to carry us through this transition period.”

Pritchett said there is a time for everything and for her, now is the time to retire.

“The Johnson Center for the Arts is doing extremely well,” she said. “Its foundation is strong and this art center will continue to grow. So, now is a good time for me to retire and do other things. But being a part of the growth of the Johnson Center has been a joy.”

Pritchett said she has met so many people who share her passion for the arts and arts education – the JCA staff, volunteers, docents, artists, interns and the many who have visited the center.

“Even though I have lived in Troy for 17 years, I have met so many wonderful people I would never have known had I not been involved with the Johnson Center,” she said. “That is probably the greatest thing I will come away from this opportunity with – the people I have had the opportunity to know and the friends I have made.”

Pritchett said she could see only good things for the Johnson Center and downtown Troy.

“I’m proud to have been a small part of something so meaningful to our community, now and in the future,” she said.

In making a decision on a new director for the Johnson Center, Hopper said the board will consider the needs of the JCA and how best to meet those needs.

“The Johnson Center is a non-profit organization and we have to raise funds for its operation. The board will take that into consideration,” Hopper said. “We will have to decide on whether we need a director whose strength is in fundraising or whether that strength should be in the arts or perhaps public relations. The board will make its decision based on how we best can meet those needs so the Johnson Center will continue to grow and provide more services to the community.”

Hopper will be working with the staff at the JCA until a new director is on board. He said the JCA staff is knowledgeable and dedicated and he is looking forward to being a part of the transition team.

Wiley White has been with the JCA since the beginning and will continue as the exhibitions’ coordinator. Diana Whitaker’s responsibilities include the JCA and she also coordinates events at The Studio. Aaron Johnson is the graphic design artist for the art center and Jensen Garrett is responsible for much of the social media.

“The immediate goal is to go to work,” Hopper said.