INDIANAPOLIS, IND.- Dr. Charles L. Venable, The Melvin & Bren Simon Director and CEO of Newfields announced that Jonathan Berger has been promoted to Deputy Director of Marketing and External Affairs, after serving as the Interim Deputy Director for six months. In conjunction with the senior leadership team, Berger will continue to strengthen the Newfields brand as well as drive large-scale seasonal marketing campaigns designed to increase awareness of exhibitions and events, as well as increase membership, attendance and associated revenue at Newfields.

“I am delighted to elevate Jonathan permanently to Newfields’ senior leadership team,” said Dr. Venable “His broad background in brand management and commercial art fits extremely well with our institutional priorities at this moment in Newfields’ history.”

Berger has extensive experience in design, marketing and brand management. During his career he has managed a large portfolio of global brands including; Schwinn, Mongoose, Walt Disney and Eddie Bauer.

After nearly a decade of successful product launches, Berger transitioned into the non-profit arena, where he worked with established brands including; Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House Charities and St. Coletta of Wisconsin to build cohesive fundraising messages.

Prior to relocating to Indianapolis to assume the role of Brand Director at Newfields in 2018, Berger was the Creative Director for the Sweden-based company, Dometic, a world leader in the RV and marine industry. Berger studied Commercial Art at the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“I am looking forward to my role as Deputy Director and the opportunity it gives to forge new relationships with the Indianapolis community, while maintaining a deep connection to the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s history,” said Berger. “This is a particularly exciting time as Newfields strives to better understand our guests and curate an inviting and dynamic atmosphere where guests return year after year.” Berger adds, “We are changing the way people consume art and nature and we are so lucky to have Newfields in Indianapolis; a world-class art museum surrounded by 152 acres of lush garden.”

While serving as the Interim Deputy Director, Berger oversaw the marketing, communications, retail and the marketing committee, as well as launched marketing campaigns for both Winterlights and Spring Blooms. Berger’s next major marketing campaign will be Harvest, Newfields’ newest large-scale seasonal program, after Spring Blooms and Winterlights.

The art highlight of Harvest 2019 will be Yayoi Kusama’s spectacular Infinity Mirror Room, All the Eternal Love I have for the Pumpkins (2016), sure to provide an enviable Instagram moment. The inaugural Harvest will be a weekend-long event from October 3–6, that will feature tastings from local and regional chefs and vendors, hands-on demonstrations and workshops and a chance to interact with farmers, brewers and distillers. Families will enjoy spectacular seasonal horticulture displays, pumpkin painting, art making activities, a designated play area and a family-friendly film on the Lilly Allee.