The resignation of Richard Metzger, executive director of the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center, Inc., has been accepted by the Center’s board of directors and Morgan Drinkard, has been appointed interim director.

Mack Gibson, chairman of the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center Board of Directors, said the executive committee of the board of directors for the TPCAC accepted a resignation letter from Metzger on Tuesday for Metzger to pursue another professional opportunity.

Gibson announced Wednesday the appointment of Drinkard, the media and program coordinator, as the interim director. Wiley White will continue to serve as the development and grant coordinator.

Metzger said he will be available for a couple of months to help with the transition if needed.

“This was not a hasty decision,” Metzger said. “During the holiday season, I took a serious look at my personal and professional life, as one often does at the end of a year. It was then that I made a decision to take some time to get my head together and decide what to do at the next stage of my life.”

Metzger said he’s not sure what path he will take.

“There’s the possibility that I might go back to school or pursue other career opportunities,” he said. “But I just knew that, in the best interest of everybody – the organization and me personally — it was time to make a change.”

Metzger said the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center Inc. is in good shape and in good hands.

“The exhibition schedule for the year is set and the workshops are ready to be scheduled,” he said. “The future of the Cultural Arts Center is bright and it’s an exciting time for all of those involved.

“It has been a good four and a half years and I admire the organization’s board for what it has been able to accomplish. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the success of the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center and to have been a part of the community and to raise my daughter in such a warm and caring place. My decision was made with the best interest of everyone at heart.”