News alert: Derek Gordon dies

Published Sep 10, 2012 at 11:00 am (Updated Sep 10, 2012)

Derek Gordon, who took a medical leave from his duties as CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge less than two months ago, has died. BRAF President and CEO John Davies confirms that Gordon, 57, died this morning, and says that he leaves a "incredible" legacy behind. "It's a monstrous loss to our community," says Davies, who was among those who helped bring Gordon back to his native Baton Rouge to take over as CEO of the arts council in July 2006. "He came from the Jazz at Lincoln Center and before that was at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He wanted to come back to Baton Rouge and contribute to his home after coming from the national and international stage, which really speaks to his personality." No further details on Gordon's death were immediately available. On July 19, the arts council announced Gordon was taking leave due to complications following an eye surgery, and Kathy Scherer was appointed acting director. Read Daily Report PM for more. —Steve Sanoski