Jeff Kimpton is wrapping up his 14-year presidency at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Next week, he will retire and move to Minneapolis with his wife Julie.
When Kimpton was hired in 2003, the Board of Trustees charged him with bringing Interlochen into a new century— and to what Kimpton calls, back to it's preeminence. He says that despite some tough decisions along the way, that's exactly what he did.
“Yes, unquestionably,” he says. “It (Interlochen) has moved back to where it was.”
The decision to retire now was made about five years ago. Kimpton believes leaders should leave while they are still enthused about their jobs. And while he still may be enthused about the job, he's also ready for something else.
"I can see after 14 years, that some of the routine is beginning to wear, a little bit," he explains.
During his retirement, Jeff Kimpton looks forward to working on his upcoming book about pragmatic leadership, traveling with his wife, and taking some painting lessons.
Trey Devey will take over for Kimpton this June. Devey previously served as president of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
