Scottsdale Cultural Council President and CEO William H. Banchs has announced his resignation from the nonprofit organization effective August 31. Banchs plans to return to Miami to pursue new professional opportunities.

“During Bill’s five-and-a-half-year tenure he worked successfully to completely restructure and reorganize the Cultural Council’s governance and management, and to strengthen its development programs,” remarked Ellen Andres-Schneider, chair of the board of trustees.

“This was all done in accordance with a new strategic plan he helped to create. These positive developments took place during an unprecedented recession, which occupied the majority of Bill’s tenure. On behalf of the board of trustees, I want to thank Bill for his persistence and determination in bringing about these positive outcomes, which have helped pave the way toward a bright future for the Cultural Council,” Andres-Schneider added.

“I have been very fortunate to have served one of the most comprehensive cultural organizations in the nation. The artistic experiences I have had at the Scottsdale Cultural Council have been on par with the best I have ever seen or heard anywhere,” noted Bill Banchs. “I particularly wish to thank the City of Scottsdale for its commitment to the arts, the Cultural Council staff for its dedication to such high standards of artistic excellence, and the board of trustees for its active engagement and participation in our efforts to strengthen the organization and broaden its audiences and base of private-sector support.”

Banchs began his position with the Scottsdale Cultural Council in January 2008. He previously served as president of the Miami-based National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts for 17 years.

The Cultural Council will appoint an interim CEO and begin a national search for a new president and CEO.

The Scottsdale Cultural Council is contracted by the City of Scottsdale to manage the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) and Scottsdale Public Art.