ASPEN, CO.- The Aspen Art Museum announced a $2,500,000 single-donor gift made by longtime AAM supporters Nancy and Bob Magoon to endow, in perpetuity, the “Nancy and Bob Magoon CEO and Director.” This landmark $2.5 million dollar endowment—which establishes the first endowed directorship position created within the institution in its 33-year history—is in addition to the couple’s generous $500,000 gift made toward the capital campaign to construct the New Aspen Art Museum facility currently underway in downtown Aspen. Dr. and Mrs. Magoon serve as members of the AAM National Council and Mrs. Magoon currently serves on the AAM Board of Trustees. Mrs. Magoon served as Board President from 2006 to 2009. Under her leadership, the AAM embarked on its current $60,000,000 Capital and Endowment Campaign.

Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson will immediately begin using her new title as the Nancy and Bob Magoon CEO and Director. Zuckerman Jacobson first assumed the role as the Aspen Art Museum’s Director and Chief Curator in July 2005, serving in that leadership role until 2011, when she also received the additional title Chief Executive Officer.

Of the gift to establish the Nancy and Bob Magoon directorship, Mrs. Magoon comments: “As supporters of the Aspen Art Museum’s crucial role as a signature institution for the cultural well-being of the Aspen community, Bob and I are absolutely thrilled to make this gift. At a moment when the AAM is growing, not only literally, but also continuing to do so in its influence and stature within the international contemporary art community, we are also heartened to know that the directorship role will be occupied by Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson. I have worked closely with Heidi as both a former Board President, National Council member, and as a supporter and friend throughout her tenure here in Aspen, and could not be happier that she will be the first Nancy and Bob Magoon CEO and Director.”

Of the new title, Ms. Zuckerman Jacobson comments: “I am equally honored and humbled to accept this wonderful gift on behalf of the AAM, as well as to continue carrying the directorship of the institution forward under their name. The Magoons’ collective work for the realization of all the AAM has and continues to achieve cannot be overstated. This endowment will forever be a reminder to all those who participate in the AAM’s bright institutional future of Nancy and Bob’s enormous contributions to the AAM, as well as their absolute commitment to the cultural landscape of Aspen itself.”

Aspen Art Museum Board of Trustees Co-President Paul Schorr adds: “Nancy and Bob’s support of our Museum and our ongoing campaign is peerless. Their gift to establish this endowed position is demonstrative of their commitment, their philanthropy, and their important leadership. We thank them for their continuing support and their dedication to achieving our goals.”

Nancy and Bob Magoon are longtime leadership figures within the Aspen community, as well as steadfast donors, patrons, and supporters of the AAM. The couple was among the first AAM donors to make a significant commitment to the Capital and Endowment Campaign in 2005. The institution’s fund-raising efforts toward the ongoing construction of the New AAM facility will be achieved with 100% of the total raised through private donations.

The AAM Board of Trustees is currently undertaking a $60,000,000 Capital and Endowment Campaign. $40,000,000 is being raised for the construction of a signature Shigeru Ban building in the downtown core of Aspen. Located at the corner of South Spring Street and East Hyman Avenue, the New AAM will be a 30,000 square foot facility with over 12,500 square feet of gallery space. The additional $20,000,000 goal is for increased endowment funds that will assure the responsible future operations of the AAM.