New York Public Radio (NYPR), in the midst of a fresh leadership challenge, has named a Chief Development Officer, tasked with leading the organization’s development and membership teams.
Kimberly Watson was chosen based on her “extensive experience working with major cultural institutions as a strategic advisor, fundraising leader and development consultant has led to an impressive resume of success in individual, major donor and corporate fundraising.”
As CDO, Watson will be responsible for increasing philanthropic support from all sources, overseeing member, donor and institutional giving. Among her key priorities will be building “robust and sustainable” major, principal and transformative gifts programs from individual and institutional donors and driving membership growth.
“We’re excited to welcome Kim to New York Public Radio,” said LaFontaine E. Oliver, presently serving as interim President and Executive Chair, following the recent decision by Christy Tanner to step down from her President/CEO role after less than nine months.
“Over three decades, Kim has helped some of the country’s most respected cultural institutions secure transformative gifts, grow their donor bases, and build sustainable and enduring fundraising operations,” Oliver said. “She knows how to connect the stories of cherished institutions to the people that power them, and we are thrilled to welcome Kim to this organization’s excellent team as they continue to reach and cultivate new and existing loyal supporters throughout New York and beyond.”
Watson has been a strategic advisor to non-profit institutions, with a specialty in arts and cultural institutions. Previously, Watson held leadership roles in development at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the High Museum of Art.
NYPR is the parent of WNYC Radio and Classical WQXR, and also oversees WNYC Studios, digital news service Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio.
