SALT LAKE CITY, UT.- The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) announced Ms. Lisa A. Arnette as the institution’s new Director of Development and External Relations. Arnette assumed her new position at the Museum on November 23, 2009.
A highly motivated professional with over 19 years of comprehensive development experience, Arnette is no stranger to Museum management or nonprofit fundraising. From 1998 to 2003, she served as a development officer at the Utah Museum of Natural History (UMNH) on the University of Utah campus, where she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of fundraising and membership, including raising funds for the UMNH capital campaign for a new facility.
After a successful tenure at the UMNH, Arnette accepted a position as Director of Advancement at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, where she built a thriving development program. Arnette’s time at Judge resulted in an 89% increase in annual giving and $9 million raised through a capital campaign for campus improvements. Arnette most recently served as Director of Operations and Development for One HEART, an international non-governmental organization specializing in maternal and newborn health among indigenous populations worldwide. While at One HEART she successfully secured major grants from new foundation funders nationwide and more than doubled the proceeds from the annual gala.
“After having worked in the museum world, I know what a wonderful place it is,” Ms. Arnette reports. “In particular, the University of Utah’s museums bring important elements of culture and education to our state and are the University’s bridge to the community. I am thrilled to be back at the U and look forward to working with the skilled team of professionals at the UMFA to further the Museum’s mission on campus and around the state.”
As Director of Development and External Relations at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Arnette will supervise the Museum’s development and external relations department, which encompasses fundraising, membership, marketing and public relations. Additionally, she will be charged with planning and guiding fundraising efforts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies.
“We are delighted to welcome Lisa Arnette to the UMFA staff,” says UMFA Interim Director Gretchen Dietrich. “Lisa has a terrific track record as a fundraiser and development professional. She brings great integrity and professionalism and offers fresh eyes to our work. I know Lisa will work together with our fantastic development and external relations team to build a successful development program and help the UMFA achieve its ambitious mission of high-quality programs and exhibitions.”
In addition to Ms. Arnette’s new position, the Museum is pleased to announce the promotion of former UMFA Development Officer Sonja Lunde to Associate Director of Development. “Sonja is a first-rate person and staff member – a gifted development professional – and we are profoundly lucky to have her on staff,” notes Dietrich. Lunde will work closely with Arnette to create and institute a new dynamic development plan for the Museum.
