NEWBURYPORT — The Firehouse Center for the Arts is on the hunt for a new leader after Executive Director John Moynihan announced he will be departing at the end of the month.
“After careful consideration and reflection, I have come to the difficult decision to step away from the Firehouse Center for the Arts on Aug. 30. Serving as the executive director of this organization for the past 7.5 years has been an opportunity that I will be eternally grateful for,” Moynihan announced Monday in a statement posted on social media.
Moynihan became Firehouse executive director in 2017, noting how the downtown Newburyport arthouse has grown since then.
“The organization has expanded our program offerings and opportunities, created accessible events through our Summer Outdoor Series and Newburyport Arts and Culture Shanties Program, and were able to host incredible musicians like Judy Collins, Grace Kelly, and Darlingside all in our 191-seat venue,” Moynihan said.
Mayor Sean Reardon thanked Moynihan and wished him well in his next role.
“John did a fabulous job for the Firehouse over his tenure. I really enjoyed working with him and I think he really raised the level of performers he brought to Newburyport and we as enhancing Newburyport’s reputation as a cultural hub,” Reardon said.
Chamber of Commerce President Nate Allard said that he and Moynihan have long been good friends.
“He is just a long-time lover of all things arts community, and he’s just an all-around phenomenal guy. I’d say he’s been working tirelessly for the arts and the nonprofits in our community. He’s been making the downtown fun at the firehouse,” Allard said.
Moynihan expressed gratitude for all the connection he made during his seven-year tenure.
“I am honored to have worked with so many amazing and dedicated individuals – all of whom played an integral role in the growth of the Firehouse,” Moynihan said.
He explained what will be next for the Firehouse.
“In the coming weeks, a search for the next executive director will begin and our board of directors is committed to finding the right leadership for this next iteration of the Firehouse. Continued community support will play a key role in how the Firehouse forges its path forward,” Moynihan said.
Thanking the community for the support and trust they have shown him and the Firehouse over the years, he shared his final goal before his departure.
“Before I leave on Aug. 30, I would like to raise $25,000 in honor of all that we have accomplished and all that will be accomplished moving forward,” Moynihan said.
He assured that the team at the Firehouse and board of directors are poised to keep things running smoothly while the search is underway and new leadership before providing a look at what his next chapter will be.
“My journey continues outside of the arts as the next chief advancement officer for the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County – an organization with a mission to reduce barriers to help clients improve their economic stability and well-being through education, advocacy, and partnerships,” Moynihan said, referring to the nearby New Hampshire county.
Moynihan did not return a request for further comment in time for this edition.