The nonprofit arts organization ArtsWestchester, which is based in White Plains, has announced that Janet Langsam, who has led the organization for 33 years, is retiring from her position as CEO and will become CEO Emeritus effective June 30. A search for a replacement is underway.
Langsam is credited with more than 50 years’ experience as an arts administrator. She formerly was deputy commissioner of cultural affairs for New York City. She became CEO of ArtsWestchester in 1991. She was instrumental in the organization acquiring the neo-classical landmark headquarters on at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, a former bank building. She oversaw the transition of what had been then the Westchester Arts Council into ArtsWestchester and oversaw the launch of the ArtsMobile, the commissioning of more than 30 works of public art throughout Westchester County and the successful management of the organization’s grants program and overall operations throughout the Covid pandemic.
“Janet leaves an indelible mark on New York state. Over her career to date, she has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for the arts as a tireless advocate for arts in our communities,” said John Peckham, chair of ArtsWestchester’s Board of Directors. “We are grateful to Janet for her leadership and more than three decades of contributions that have kept the arts alive and vibrant in the Hudson Valley. But more importantly, Janet has fought tirelessly to support the key goals of diversity, equality and inclusion for decades and that is her proudest legacy.”
Throughout her tenure at ArtsWestchester, Langsam spearheaded fundraising efforts that secured more than $75 million for the arts, highlighting her dedication to the cultural vibrancy of the region. Under Langsam’s leadership, the organization’s annual budget grew from $1 million to nearly $7 million. During the pandemic, she rallied for the broader arts community by securing $10 million annually for upstate arts councils and $1 million in state funds for ArtsWestchester’s Restart the Arts Program.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Janet Langsam leaves an extraordinary legacy of cultural enrichment in Westchester County. Her visionary leadership at ArtsWestchester built the leading cultural organization from the ground up and made it the beacon that it is today. She helped shape the cultural landscape of our region, and for decades has shown her tireless dedication to the arts.”
“For years, Janet Langsam and I have successfully collaborated to bring innovative arts projects to the City of White Plains, attracting people from around the region to our vibrant city,” said White Plains Mayor Tom Roach. “ArtsWestchester’s success is in large part attributed to the adept leadership of Janet. Her creativity and imagination have benefited the city immeasurably and for that, I am grateful. Today, I can call Janet a trusted partner and a dear friend.”
