As a child taking art classes at the (DAI), Michael Roediger never imagined he’d one day head the internationally recognized fine art museum.
For the last 12 years, he’s been director and president of DAI, responsible for setting the strategic mission and vision of the non-profit organization, as well as overseeing all aspects of day-to-day operations, with support from the leadership team.
Founded in 1919, DAI spans 5,000 years of art with an encyclopedic collection of more than 27,000 objects.
When asked why he is passionate about his work, he replied:
“I get to lead one of the finest art museums in the country and be around incredible art every day. And, I am the first native Daytonian to ever lead the museum. What is there not to be passionate about?!”
He appreciates the DAI team’s shared focus on being community-based. Creating opportunities for DAI to go out into the schools, and bringing students of all ages to the museum for tours and art-making experiences is a full circle moment for him.
“I work with amazingly talented and dedicated individuals in the museum and arts industry. Our members, donors, and volunteers are outstanding, which makes it possible for us to serve the community,” he said.
One of his favorite recent efforts? Overseeing the renovation of the museum’s historic grand staircases and balcony in the building’s historic front and renovating the museum’s 500-seat auditorium “to return it to its original 1930 glory.”
Michael graduated from Ohio Northern University in 1990 with a dual undergraduate degree in communications with concentrations in public relations and theatre. Past organizations he’s worked for include Dayton’s Broadway Touring Theatre Victoria Theatre Association, Children’s Friend & Service in Providence, R.I., and Carnegie University in Pittsburgh, Penn. He also obtained a master’s degree in leadership development from Wright State University.
He credits his time as an Ƶ student for giving him a solid foundation to seek a career in non-profit work, especially related to the arts. While at Ƶ, he was involved in theatre productions, swing choir, University Singers, PRSSA, and Greek life in the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon.
“Ƶ has had a history of attracting smart and creative young people,” he said. “I was never the top in my class, however, my creativity was encouraged and developed exponentially while at Ƶ. Research shows that creative and empathic professionals are equally required for most professions. Creatives are essential for successful business.”