CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. -- After 32 years, Tom Becker recently announced he's retiring from Chautauqua Institution at the end of the year.
"To be candid with you, it seems rather obvious to me that this is the best time and have the Institution find its next voice of leadership," said Becker, who has served the last 13 years as president.
"This is a great job, it's an unusual job; precisely because it's so challenging, and it's creative, and it's demanding, and you have to think beyond the boundaries of what you knew before in order to do this work," said Becker.
The announcement comes as the Institution wraps up a philanthropic campaign to raise more than $98 million, as well as its recent vote to rebuild the iconic amphitheater. Becker insists his decision had nothing to do with the backlash from those opposed to project.
"I'm aware some people are going to spin it that way, but it simply isn't true. I get it. There's a different point of view and I can respect it," said Becker.
During his tenure, Becker has met world-renowned authors, cultural icons and political leaders, as well as led discussions about global issues, religion and the arts.
"It does indeed invite the major thinkers and actors of our time to the stage and the privilege of being part of that is an enormous value," said Becker.
Becker says he looks forward to spending more time with family, and will likely be too busy to fully reflect on his final year at the helm inside the gate.
"The last time for this or the last time for that but frankly, we've got a ton of work to do, and the time I think for more meditative reflection will be after it's all over," said Becker.
The Institution's Board of Trustees will now work to find a new president.