Daniel Brandl has been named the new executive director of La Grua Center in Stonington, the organization's board of directors announced Wednesday afternoon. Brandl assumes duties Jan. 3, 2022.

Brandl, who for the last six years was executive coordinator for the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, said in a statement, "I am thrilled to have been selected as the next executive director for La Grua Center. As someone who has volunteered and been a patron at La Grua Center, I have seen this organization's ability to serve its community over the years, and it will be an honor to build on that success."

Brandl replaces Lori Robishaw, who served as La Grua's director from 2016 until October. Robishaw left to become executive director of the Arts Council of York County, South Carolina.

Jim Quinn, board president of La Grua Center, said of Brandl in the announcement, "Dan knows our supporters, knows our community, understands the nuances of our programming, and has a deep appreciation for the diversity needed to keep La Grua at the forefront as we offer arts and culture to our neighbors. Dan is just the right fit for us; warm, approachable, smart, imaginative, intuitive and energetic."

Among his many qualifications, Brandl is a pianist who received a bachelor of music in jazz studies from Western Connecticut University; served as resident music director for the Spirit of Broadway Theater and Chestnut Street Playhouse in Norwich; and is currently music director for First United Methodist Church in Mystic. He lives in Stonington with his wife Kathryn and their two sons.