Mar 27, 2013 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has promoted Jill Wagar, former director of development, to director of the newly created division of advancement, comprising the guest services, development, group tours and membership departments. Wagar, who has 17 years of fundraising experience, took charge of the museum’s corporate sponsorship program in February, 2011. Since that time, she has led efforts to secure significant private support for Crystal Bridges’ programs, exhibitions, operations and endowments. “Jill has a proven ability to communicate well and motivate her team,” said Sandy Edwards, museum deputy director. “As the guest services, group tours, development and membership areas are all interrelated, it makes sense to coordinate all of these functions under one division, and Jill was the clear choice for this position. It will mean even better customer service for our members and guests, while our sponsorship program will integrate seamlessly with membership programs.” Prior to joining the museum, Wagar served for five years as associate vice president for development at Northwest Arkansas Community College, where she oversaw a $16 million capital campaign and helped secure the two largest gifts in the organization’s history. She spent ten years in public affairs and development for The Children’s Center, a private nonprofit hospital for children in Bethany, OK. “I’m honored to be working with our supporters and guests to deepen their relationships with the museum,” said Wagar. “Our constituents’ responses in our inaugural year, from both a regional and national perspective, were amazing and we look forward to continuing dynamic experiences as we move forward.” Wagar served as president in 2010 of the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and was named Northwest Arkansas’ Outstanding Fundraising Executive in 2007 by the AFP. She was named to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s 40 under 40 in 2008 and was part of Leadership Benton County Class VI and Leadership Arkansas Class V. Wagar is a Certified Fundraising Executive and holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and public relations from Oklahoma State University. # # #
