The chief executive officer of the National Aviary of Pittsburgh has resigned.

Linda Dickerson

Linda Dickerson sent a letter of resignation to the aviary's board yesterday.

In it, she states, "My decision stems from the realization that the institution's business practices are incompatible with mine."

Ms. Dickerson, who took the top job in March 2007, attached a list of recommendations for better management and fund raising at the North Side institution.

Among those are to close out the current capital campaign after the public phase and to delay part of planned construction.

The list does not state directly whether there is a problem with fund raising for the capital campaign. But it suggests the board "Fortify, rather than diminish, the Development Department," and "Concentrate heavily on building a cadre of affluent and influential individuals who will champion the National Aviary."