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New York

National Arts Club prez steps down after five months

Pike's predecessor was mired in scandal over alleged fiscal mismanagement

National Arts Club at 15 Gramercy Park South (Inset: Thomas Pike)
National Arts Club at 15 Gramercy Park South (Inset: Thomas Pike)

The new president of the scandal-plagued National Arts Club announced last week that he was resigning after just five months on the job.

Thomas Pike, a retired rector, was considered a change of pace from O. Aldon James’ 25-year regime. James agreed to pay $950,000 in July to settle claims that he and two others held rent at below-market rates on more than a dozen spaces at the 115-year-old club at 15 Gramercy Park South, so they could store artwork and other items that they allegedly purchased with club funds.

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Pike was elected in May on the platform of restoring the club to financial stability. He did not respond to DNAinfo’s requests for comment.

“Rev. Pike had longstanding commitments he needed to take care of,” said Dianne Bernhard, who served as interim president between James and Pike’s tenures. “He’s a great man in the community, and maybe the community needs him more.”

The board plans to select a new president next month. [DNAinfo] – Mark Maurer

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National Arts ClubO. Aldon James