It was in February 2022 when I wrote in this column that after a one-year contract extension to guide the arts in Northwest Indiana, longtime South Shore Arts Executive Director John Cain, at age 66, was ready to make his retirement official.

David Mika, a market president with BMO Bank since 2010 and also a member of the South Shore Arts Board of Directors, assumed the role of executive director at South Shore Arts starting on March 20, 2022, with Cain remaining through May to assist with the transition. Mika is also a past board president for South Shore Arts, the nonprofit that is the umbrella organization that oversees the Northwest Indiana Symphony.

Formerly called the Northern Indiana Arts Association since 1970, the nonprofit in 2006 was rebranded as South Shore Arts to reflect balanced emphasis on both music and visual arts. Cain became executive director in October 1993 and worked hard to grow audiences for the NWI Symphony, teamed with the baton direction of Maestro Kirk Muspratt in his musical leadership role for the past two decades.

Attorney Bill Neff, who serves as president of the South Shore Arts Board of Directors, alerted me he has begun the process of assembling a search committee to look for qualified candidates for the leadership position.

Mika’s contract expires in June, Neff wrote, and the board is beginning the search for his successor.

“We’re casting the net as wide and far as possible to obtain as many qualified candidates as we can. One of the functions of the South Shore Arts Board of Directors is to engage in that search. A Succession Planning Committee was formed to streamline our efforts and generate a schedule, one that has provided a long runway for us to secure the perfect candidate. We’re giving ourselves a large window of time to find the perfect candidate; someone who will facilitate a collaborative environment between our multiple arts organizations and honor the gift of art to all people across the tri-county area.”

Like Cain’s commitment, earlier this year Mika, 61, also agreed to a one-year contract extension to help groom a successor to ensure a seamless transition to new leadership.

“John was wonderful to stay on and guide South Shore Arts and the Symphony through the pandemic, delaying his retirement,” Mika said.

“When the South Shore Arts Board could not find an ideal permanent candidate to lead in John’s place, and his new retirement date was quickly approaching, that’s when I offered the board my services to step in temporarily, with the idea being it wouldn’t be for more than two years of service since the board and my wife Ann and my family all knew I also had my sight set for retirement.”

Applications and questions should be directed to attorney Carly Brandenburg, who is heading the search committee, reached at cbrandenburg@eichhorn-law.com.

Neff provided the following job description, with the annual salary range expected to be $100,000 — $125,000 and the position reporting directly to the South Shore Arts Board of Directors.

“South Shore Arts seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as Executive Director to advance the mission and agenda of the organization. This position oversees all aspects of business related to South Shore Arts and the management of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. The Executive Director is the public face of both organizations. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the health of these organizations by working with staff, the Board of Directors and key constituents to implement a shared vision, form partnerships and secure funding from a variety of sources. The Executive Director is responsible for creating a positive internal culture that aligns with programmatic objectives and that treats everyone with dignity. The Executive Director exudes hope, optimism, and bold vision for the organization and its mission. In collaboration with the Director of Development, plan, implement, and oversee all fundraising efforts of South Shore Arts, including individual, corporate and foundation giving; the annual fund campaign, grants, capital and endowment appeals, and other special needs; Maintain excellent relationships with potential, current and past donors and in collaboration with the Finance Committee, present a proposed annual budget for the next fiscal year at the Annual Meeting held in June. Ensure implementation of strategic plan and ensure that staff are developing, implementing and reviewing programs that align with the mission, strategic plan, and budget of South Shore Arts.”

“Preferred Candidate Qualifications include graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university; Professional experience in the arts and experience in an administrative capacity; Abilities in the areas of public relations and public speaking; Professional experience with fundraising, cultivating donors and managing endowment campaigns; Professional experience in federal, state or local government in the arts and/or national, state, regional or local arts not-for-profit services is highly preferred; Experience in organization management, including three (3) years of experience in supervision and staff management; Specialized training and/or experience in negotiation, meeting convening, and organizational development; May be required to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally. Work may be performed in an office environment and remotely. Some work may be performed in the field and require some overnight travel (no greater than 10% of the time). Work will involve attendance at community events, social occasions, meals, and other local events.”

Further information and details about South Shore Arts and the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra can be found at www.southshoreartsonline.com.

Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@comhs.org.