People on the Move: April 15

People on the Move is a rundown of recent hirings, promotions, appointments and other notable movements by professionals in the state. If you’re interested in submitting an entry, please contact news@delawarebusinesstimes.com.

Ivan Henderson | PHOTO COURTESY OF DHS

Ivan Henderson will soon join the Delaware Historical Society (DHS) staff as director of the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage & vice president for programming. 

Henderson has nearly two decades of experience in museum education in Delaware and Philadelphia. He has served as the VP for Programming at the African American Museum in Philadelphia where he led the work of the Curatorial Services and Programming teams. Before that, he was the Curator of Education for the University of Delaware (UD) museum galleries as well as with DHS colleagues and partners at UD in museum studies, art history, and African American studies.

The Biggs Museum of American Art has announced Michael Dudich the next director following Charles Guerin’s retirement.    

Dudich most recently served as the deputy director for the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut. The Biggs’s commitment to expanding its audience, partnering with the community, and the opportunity to reimagine and reposition the museum’s physical spaces with the recent acquisition of 15/21 The Green, were noted by Dudich as key drivers in his decision for making the move to Dover.  

Michael Dudich | PHOTO COURTESY OF BMAA

“It is thrilling to have the opportunity to lead the Biggs into its next chapter,” said Dudich. “Drawing on the expertise, energy, and ingenuity of people both in and outside the museum, I know we can build on the successes achieved during Charlie’s tenure, to ensure we’re an inviting, welcoming, and accessible place to connect with great art.” 

At the Wadsworth, Dudich provided leadership for the effective operational and financial management of the museum including the implementation of strategic objectives and key organizational initiatives. Prior to joining Wadsworth, he was director of administration and human resources at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, DC, where he made his transition from the corporate sector. While a Biggs Trustee, Dudich was both a co-chair and member of the Museum’s Development Committee.

Emily Byrne | PHOTO COURTESY OF SMHS

Saint Mark’s High School has named Emily Byrne director of fine & performing arts.

Byrne brings experience from her career as an internationally acclaimed mezzo soprano. She has traveled throughout the United States and Europe performing opera, musical theatre and oratorio. In addition to performance credits, Byrne is a seasoned educator, comfortable in instructing students in a wide variety of musical genres. She is passionate about “helping students find their own unique voice through an understanding of vocal technique and style.”

Byrne spent five years at Devon Preparatory School as their choir and band director, theatre teacher and music director. Her favorite directing credits include Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Godspell, Grease, Beauty & the Beast and Mary Poppins.

Paul Smith | PHOTO COURTESY OF FRBP

Paul Smith joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia as senior vice president of the facilities and cash services departments.

Smith arrived to the federal reserve bank from DuPont, where he had been leading the North America region office and laboratory facilities from headquarters in Wilmington, DE. He worked at DuPont since 2015, advancing through management positions during that time. He has extensive experience in all aspects of strategic corporate facilities management for global Fortune 500 companies, including leading multiple teams, developing system-level strategies, managing operations and construction project design, and overseeing financial planning and analysis.