A Farewell Message from the Morgan's Executive Director Leonard Young

Dear Friends,

For nearly five years, I have had the honor and privilege of leading the Morgan Conservancy as its Executive Director. It has culminated in a long, rewarding, and successful journey, but the time has come for me to choose a different path and move on to my next chapter…retirement. So, on June 1, as we all celebrate the arrival of the Morgan's next Executive Director Nicole Donnelly, I will step away and begin my next adventure.

The Morgan is a jewel in Cleveland’s arts community and is blessed with an incredibly professional, talented, and dedicated staff; a highly committed and supportive Board of Directors; and hundreds of generous donors who continue to believe in its mission and vision.

During my tenure, we elevated the Morgan Conservatory’s stature in the arts community, expanded and strengthened our partnerships more than doubled the number of community arts education workshops offered year, successfully rolled out a visionary five-year strategic plan, and created a vision for the use of our 1.6 acres that will guide the Morgan’s efforts well into the future. We also thrived during the pandemic by becoming nimble and creating virtual programming, using our large building and campus for socially distanced workshops and maintaining operations. I am honored to have been part of these achievements.

It’s impossible to acknowledge everyone that has played an important role during my Morgan tenure. Still, I want to thank the Board President, Margaret Denk-Leigh, and Morgan Founder and Papermaker Emeritus, Tom Balbo, who believed in me and supported my vision. And finally, a heartfelt thanks to my fellow staff members, both past and present, for your professionalism, loyalty, and friendship. It has been an honor to work beside you!

I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this remarkable arts organization.

Best wishes,

Leonard D. Young