MIAMI, FL.- Glenn W. Ekey, a seasoned development executive with nearly three decades experience in the nonprofit sector, has joined
Miami Art Museum (MAM) as director of development. In this role, Mr. Ekey will be charged with broadening the museums base of financial support among both individuals and corporations. His work will include building and strengthening MAMs relationships with the South Florida business community, overseeing institutional fundraising activities and securing major gifts. Mr. Ekey previously served as chief development officer for the Palm Beach Zoo and president and CEO of the Zoological Society of Florida.
Mr. Ekeys appointment comes at a key juncture in MAMs history; the museum is preparing to break ground on its new home in downtown Miamis waterfront Museum Park.
Galvanizing private sector support for Miami Art Museum is a top objective for our organization as we get set to enter the next chapter of our history, said Aaron Podhurst, chairman of the museums board of trustees. Glenn Ekey is the right person to lead that effort. Glenns track record of success in the nonprofit arena, coupled with his leadership qualities and existing relationships with South Floridas donor community, will be key to sustaining and building on the institutional momentum MAM has enjoyed in recent years.
Among Mr. Ekeys priorities as director of development will be generating fundraising support for the museums MAM and Schools program. Miami Art Museum currently has the largest art education program outside the Miami-Dade County school system. Other areas of focus will include securing grants, growing MAMs endowment and generating additional support for the museums capital campaign.
This is an exciting time to join Miami Art Museum, said Mr. Ekey. I have long considered the visual arts to be a key component of our community and Im enthusiastic about MAMs future as one of the staples of the South Florida arts landscape. Realizing MAMs potential to become a cultural port that links the U.S. with Latin America and the Caribbean will require continued investment on the part of our private sector and grant-funding organizations. I look forward to leading that charge as director of development.
At the Zoological Society of Florida, Mr. Ekey was instrumental in raising significant public and private funds for the zoos $350 million master plan. He also developed a public/private partnership between the Zoological Society and Miami-Dade County which reversed Miami Metrozoos financial decline and increased attendance by 25 percent.
Previous positions included serving as director of the Rhode Island Zoological Society and director of marketing and public relations for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Mr. Ekey earned his bachelors degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. He is married with one daughter.