KANSAS CITY, MO.- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has named Sarah Beeks Higdon its new Director, Advancement. Higdon comes to the museum after leading the planned giving program and facilitating the development of major gifts for the Saint Luke’s Health System.

“Sarah brings a great expertise to the museum with her strong community relationships,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, CEO & Director of the Nelson-Atkins. “We look forward to moving the Nelson-Atkins to the next level through implementation of a comprehensive development program, utilizing Sarah’s breadth of knowledge in strategic planning and donor relations management.”

Higdon was the Director of Major and Planned Gifts at the Saint Luke’s Foundation. While there, she developed an Ambassador Program to engage perspective donors, expanded the Planned Giving program, and identified and cultivated new donors for several areas of the hospital.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, an institution of renowned excellence and a treasure in the Kansas City cultural arts community,” said Higdon.

A past president and board member of The Carriage Club in Kansas City, Higdon has been a volunteer for numerous local cultural organizations. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Quality Hill Playhouse, and has volunteered with the Symphony League, the Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City, the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, and the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri.

Higdon has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas in Lawrence and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Her first day at the museum was Monday, Oct 7.