Ford’s Theatre Welcomes New Director of Development
Washington, D.C.’s vibrant theatre community is buzzing with news as Ford’s Theatre Society announces the appointment of Sarah J. Wilber as its new Director of Development. This strategic hire is set to bolster the institution’s fundraising efforts and further its mission in the heart of our nation’s capital.
A Strategic Addition to Ford’s Theatre
In her new role, Sarah J. Wilber will take charge of all development operations for Ford’s Theatre. This comprehensive oversight includes crucial areas such as major gifts, institutional giving, membership programs, corporate partnerships, and special events. Her leadership is poised to enhance the theatre’s financial foundation, ensuring its continued ability to present impactful programming and preserve Lincoln’s legacy.
A Proven Leader in Arts Philanthropy
Wilber brings an impressive track record of over a decade in arts philanthropy to Ford’s Theatre. She most recently served as the Fundraising Strategy Lead at Stand Together, where she was instrumental in building a new fundraising strategy team and designing collaborative frameworks for significant national initiatives, including the nation’s 250th-anniversary commemoration.
Prior to her role at Stand Together, Wilber spent more than ten years at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. There, she rose to Vice President of Capital Campaigns and Strategic Planning, spearheading the “Together for the Arts,” a landmark $250 million endowment campaign. Her tenure at the Kennedy Center also saw her develop the organization’s first department-wide strategic plan for an $80 million annual fundraising program, showcasing her visionary and data-driven approach.
Paul R. Tetreault, Director of Ford’s Theatre Society, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Sarah is a visionary fundraising leader whose strategic and data-driven approach has reshaped some of the most respected institutions in the performing arts. Her ability to combine innovation, collaboration and purpose will strengthen Ford’s Theatre’s fundraising efforts and help us continue to share Lincoln’s legacy with new generations.”
Impact on Washington D.C.’s Theatre Landscape
Wilber’s extensive experience, particularly within D.C.’s esteemed Kennedy Center, suggests a promising future for Ford’s Theatre. Her expertise in developing robust fundraising strategies and leading major campaigns will be critical in expanding the theatre’s reach and securing its long-term stability.
For D.C. theatre enthusiasts, this appointment means a renewed focus on community engagement and innovative programming, all supported by a strengthened financial base. Her leadership is expected to foster new opportunities for local audiences to connect with the arts and experience the rich history that Ford’s Theatre represents.
Wilber’s Career at a Glance
| Organization | Role | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Ford’s Theatre Society (Current) | Director of Development | Oversees all fundraising, major gifts, corporate partnerships, special events. |
| Stand Together | Fundraising Strategy Lead | Built new strategy team, developed data-informed processes, designed frameworks for national initiatives. |
| The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | VP Capital Campaigns & Strategic Planning | Led $250 million endowment campaign, developed first department-wide strategic plan for an $80 million annual fundraising program. |
What to Watch Next: Your DC Theatre Guide
As Ford’s Theatre embarks on this new chapter, the Washington D.C. theatre scene continues to offer a diverse array of productions. Here’s a glimpse of what local critics and audiences are talking about:
- Review: AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE at Theater J
- Review: LIZZIE: THE MUSICAL at Keegan Theatre
- Upcoming: Neil Simon’s THE DINNER PARTY at Selah Theatre Project
- Currently Playing: The Last Five Years at NextStop Theatre
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Sarah J. Wilber?
Sarah J. Wilber is a nationally recognized fundraising strategist and arts philanthropy innovator recently appointed as the Director of Development for Ford’s Theatre Society. - What does her new role at Ford’s Theatre entail?
She will oversee all development operations, including major gifts, institutional giving, membership programs, corporate partnerships, and special events for the theatre. - What is her background in arts fundraising?
Wilber has a decade of experience, notably serving as Fundraising Strategy Lead at Stand Together and Vice President of Capital Campaigns and Strategic Planning at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. - What is Ford’s Theatre known for?
Ford’s Theatre is a historic landmark in Washington D.C. where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Today, it functions as a working theatre, a historical monument, and a museum, preserving Lincoln’s legacy and fostering understanding of his ideals.
This appointment signals a robust future for Ford’s Theatre, promising continued growth and innovation that will undoubtedly enrich the cultural landscape for all Washington D.C. residents and visitors.
Ford Theatre Appoints New Development Director
