Greg R. Prow, president of the Saratoga center's board of trustees, announced late Thursday that Executive Director Elisbeth Challener, who first joined Montalvo in 1986 as the development director and was named to her current position three years later, plans to leave Montalvo as of Oct. 31.

Prow says the timing of Challener's leave will be advantageous for both her and the board of trustees.

"From the board perspective, a new strategic plan had been adopted, construction on the new Sally and Don Lucas Artists Programs is completed and the program is up and running," said a press release distributed Thursday. According to the release, Challener's husband, Brett Bachman, has been offered a position as senior vice president of Vignette Corporation in Austin, Texas, and Challener intends to make the move from the Bay Area with him. "Challener looks forward to new challenges ahead, including the chance to participate in the robust arts community in Austin."

When Challener began her tenure as executive director, Montalvo was a small, community-based organization with an operating budget of $600,000. Under her leadership, the organization has grown to its present budget of $8 million, making it one of the largest arts nonprofits between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

"Elisbeth has led Montalvo through more than 19 years of tremendous development and expansion of the arts programs, and we are sad to see her go," says Prow, who has served as board president since January 2004. "At the same time, however, she leaves a great legacy that includes a dynamic board of trustees and strong strategic plan that will help lead the organization into this next stage."

"It has been an honor to serve as executive director of this organization," says Challener. "I am very optimistic about the future of Montalvo Arts Center."

Challener's last day as executive director will be Oct. 31, but she will remain on board as a consultant until a new executive director is in place. A search committee consisting of Montalvo board members and senior staff has been formed and seeks to engage a firm by Sept. 1 to conduct the search for her replacement. The committee aims to hire a new executive director for Montalvo by the beginning of 2006, according to the announcement.

Visit www.montalvoarts.org.