RALEIGH, NC.- The North Carolina Museum of Art announces that seasoned North Carolina fundraiser Johnny Burleson will join the Museum as director of development. In this role Burleson will set the strategy for the Museum’s fundraising efforts to support special exhibitions, programs, acquisitions, the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, and the care of its permanent collection.

“Mr. Burleson brings proven experience in philanthropy and believes in matching the passions of donors with innovative ideas,” says Museum Director Valerie Hillings, Ph.D. “His love for North Carolina’s cultural and natural resources reflects the Museum’s mission of connecting art, nature, and people. We welcome him to our team.”

As director of development, Burleson will lead the NCMA Foundation’s efforts to broaden its base of support, manage major gifts, and execute fundraising campaigns. He will also manage the Museum’s development team, which includes membership, grants, corporate donations, and board relations officers. Triangle-based nonprofit consulting and executive search firm moss+ross led the hiring process.

“The Museum’s art collection belongs to the people of North Carolina and truly offers something for everyone across the state,” said David Brody, president of the Museum Foundation Board of Directors. “Mr. Burleson brings that understanding to this role through his experience with statewide outreach and will help us spread that message.”

Burleson is a graduate of North Carolina State University with 18 years of experience in philanthropy, most recently leading the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation’s development of local, state, and national relationships to bring philanthropic and federal resources to North Carolina for stronger, healthier communities. Before joining the Blue Cross NC Foundation, he worked in higher education philanthropy and advancement at Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Government.

Burleson starts at the Museum on Monday, March 25.