The former head of the Akron Art Museum, Mitchell Kahan, died unexpectedly last month at 74.

As director and CEO from 1986-2013, he grew the museum’s holdings and oversaw a major expansion, which opened in 2007.

“Mitchell was a very kind, caring individual,” said current CEO John Fiume. “Even after his retirement, he never really left the institution. He cared so deeply for it. He visited quite often.”

Fiume was a board member from 2005-2015 and remembered Kahan as a friend and mentor.

“He served as an incredible resource to me to understand some of the history of the organization,” he said. “He also encouraged me to get involved with the Association of Art Museum Directors. Mitchell influenced me in a way that really helped with my own professional development. It was always nice to k

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