OTTAWA.- Thomas d’Aquino, Chair of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation, announced the appointment of Sylvie Clermont Madely as Director of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors selected Ms. Madely for this newly-created post following a reorganization of the Foundation’s mandate in 2010. She will begin her term as Director on February 14, 2011.

“Ms. Madely is a consummate professional with more than fifteen years of experience as a motivational leader and fundraiser in the philanthropic field,” noted Mr. d’Aquino. “We are delighted that she is assuming this important leadership post at a time when the Foundation is engaging in ever greater activity on behalf of the National Gallery of Canada,” he continued.

She will form an integral part of a team dedicated to building loyalty and support for Canada’s leading visual arts institution on a national and international basis. In this regard, Ms. Madely will also work closely with the Foundation’s Board and with National Gallery Director and Chief Executive Officer, Marc Mayer.

The primary mission of the Foundation is to raise capital and to maintain an endowment for the benefit of the National Gallery. Through its Distinguished Patrons program involving the engagement and donations of prominent Canadians, the Foundation is building long-term support for the Gallery.