PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Lawrence Passmore has joined the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts as Director of Foundation Relations.

In his new role, Passmore brings senior grant writing and fundraising experience to PAFA's foundation and government relations efforts, as well as strategies to research and cultivate corporate giving prospects for the Academy.

Passmore comes to PAFA after 20 years in foundation and government fundraising at The Philadelphia Orchestra Association, most recently as Senior Foundation Relations Officer. Prior to the Orchestra he served for four years as Executive Director of Reading Musical Foundation in Reading, PA.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Larry on the PAFA staff. He has been an extraordinary fundraiser whose foundation and government contacts will be an invaluable asset to the Academy," says Louisa Hanshew, PAFA's Senior Vice President of Development.

Passmore has also contributed his arts administration experience to several volunteer leadership posts. Currently he serves as Vice Chairman of Commonwealth Youthchoirs, Inc., which operates Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir, providing choral singing opportunities rooted in artistic excellence for approximately 300 young people. He has also held board positions with the American Boychoir Alumni Association and Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia. He is a member of the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia and Chorus America.

Raised in Bucks County and a long-time area resident, Passmore earned his B.A. in political science and music at Earlham College in Indiana, and an M.S. in arts administration from Drexel University.

Passmore lives in Havertown, PA with his wife Aita, who is trained both as a pediatrician and therapist. He has two teenage daughters.