The Washington Post reported yesterday that D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities Executive Director Tony Gittens will be retiring from his position at the end of July. Gittens has been the commission’s director for almost 12 years, and has been active in the District’s art scene since the 1960s. Most recently, he has also been the Director of the D.C. International Film Festival (Filmfest DC), a position he will continue to hold.

The Post quotes Gittens saying he does not view this change as a full retirement.

“When you have been doing something for almost 12 years, the job is on your mind all the time,” he said. “I want to get a broader perspective of the city because, fundamentally, the city and the city’s culture have changed since I joined the arts commission. I want to get a better sense of that and I want to get a clearer understanding of what my role should be.”

We spoke with Commissioner Rod Little about Gittens, and he had nothing but nice things to say about the dedication and passion that Gittens demonstrated during Little’s year at DCCAH.

“I will miss Tony dearly, especially his cool, calm demeanor that he always displayed,” Gittens Little said. “I know deep down inside that the DCCAH mission will continue and grow in enhancing the D.C community without question—as we move forward with a new leader.”