Philadelphia Museum of Art Announces the Appointment of Jonathan Peterson as its New Director of Development
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Peterson as its new Director of Development. Currently the Director of Development at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, a post that he has held since 2011, Mr. Peterson will become a member of the Museum’s leadership team in late October, assuming responsibility for all of its philanthropic efforts, including the annual fund, individual and institutional giving, and stewardship. He will also work closely with senior staff and trustees on raising funds to enhance the Museum’s endowment, to implement its facilities master plan, and to advance strategic initiatives.
“Following an extensive national search, Jonathan emerged as the right person to lead our Development team,” said Timothy Rub, the George D. Widener Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “He possesses all of the skills we need, has broad experience in every aspect of fundraising and donor development, and is a gifted communicator and manager. I am delighted that he has chosen to come to the Museum at this critical moment and look forward to working in partnership with him to strengthen our development efforts and achieve our fundraising objectives.”
As Director of Development at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Mr. Peterson has been responsible for managing a staff of 45 development professionals, raising funds to support the operating budget, and overseeing membership programs. He has also worked closely with the museum’s Director and Board of Trustees on the successful implementation of a $610M capital campaign, now nearing completion.
“I am thrilled to be appointed as the new Director of Development at the Philadelphia Museum of Art,” Mr. Peterson noted. “This is a wonderful opportunity to work at one of this country’s most important museums at an exciting moment in its history. I look forward to helping the Museum’s staff and trustees achieve their ambitious goals for it. I am delighted with the success we’ve achieved at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art over the past five years and look forward to taking full advantage of the opportunity I’ve been given in Philadelphia to help a great institution become even stronger.”
Mr. Peterson will bring to his new role a unique set of skills and experience gained over the course of 25 years of work in cultural institutions. Before taking his present position at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, he served for four years as Deputy Director of Development at the San Francisco Opera, where he managed all annual giving activities and operations. Mr. Peterson also played a critical role in the early development of the New World Symphony in Miami, where he was responsible for the annual, capital, and endowment functions. Prior to that, he worked at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Jonathan holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in music, vocal performance, both from Butler University.
Constance Williams, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, stated, “We are delighted with this appointment and look forward to welcoming Jonathan to Philadelphia. His experience and his track record as a successful development professional make him a unique match for our needs at this time. We are confident that he will bring effective leadership to all fundraising activities across the institution and serve as a visible and effective advocate for the Museum within the wider philanthropic community.”
Jonathan Peterson succeeds Kelly O’Brien, who led the Museum’s development efforts for five years before stepping down this past January after 15 years of service to the institution.
Social Media @philamuseum
We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A landmark building. A world-renowned collection. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.
For additional information, contact the Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art phone at 215-684-7860, by fax at 215-235-0050, or by e-mail at pressroom@philamuseum.org. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call (215) 763-8100.