Leather Archives & Museum executive director resigns

Chicago, IL - Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M) executive director Rick Storer has resigned after 15 years to pursue new opportunities, the organization announced Monday.

"When Rick called to share the news with me, I was very surprised," LA&M president Jon Krongaard said in a press release. "And while I am saddened by his leaving for a new role in the Chicago LGBTQ community, I am also grateful for his 15 years of amazing service to the LA&M."

Storer joined the LA&M Board of Directors in 2001 and joined the staff as executive director in 2002. During his tenure the organization saw growth in the size of the collection and its accessibility, according to the release.

"Under his leadership, we have grown in ways very few thought possible," said Krongaard. "We are well positioned for what I know to be an exciting and vibrant future."

In statement posted on Facebook, Storer thanked the people he worked with over the past 15 years.

"This has been a dream job in every sense," he said. "[W]orking in a building filled with leather history, having meetings in offices and conference rooms with Etienne's art on the walls and being surrounding by the legacies of people I look up to as giants. It has been a pleasure to work for a Board of Directors that are civil with each other even when not in agreement. Their passion and time for this organization has been truly inspiring."

Storer's resignation will take effect June 11, 2017. His husband, Jeffrey Storer, will continue at LA&M.

The Board of Directors will be announcing the formation of a search committee for a new executive director.

Visit the LA&M website for more information about the organization.

Related: International Mr. Leather 2017 events