ATLANTA (AP) The director of Atlanta's High Museum of Art plans to step down after 15 years in that role. <br />
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The museum said in a news release Wednesday that July 31 will be the last day for Michael Shapiro, who joined the High's leadership team in 1995 and was appointed director in 2000. <br />
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The museum's board of directors plans to form a committee to conduct a national and international search for the next director. <br />
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The release says the High has raised nearly $230 million and has increased its endowment by nearly 30 percent during Shapiro's tenure. It says he also worked to increase the range and depth of the museum's permanent collection. <br />
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Shapiro says he plans to remain active in the art world through board work and as an independent consultant.
