New York Public Radio has hired Kimberly Watson as its chief development officer. She will run the development and membership teams for the nonprofit that operates WNYC, WQXR, Gothamist and New Jersey Public Radio.
Watson's job is to raise philanthropic support from every source, covering member, donor and institutional giving. NYPR said her priorities include building "robust and sustainable" major, principal and transformative gift programs with individual and institutional donors, along with growing membership. For public stations, that mix of listener memberships, large individual gifts and foundation grants is a core part of the budget, so the development chief is one of the most important posts in the building.
She comes from the arts world rather than broadcasting. Watson has held development leadership roles at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the High Museum of Art. NYPR did not give a start date.
The hire comes during a leadership transition. Christy Tanner stepped down as president and CEO earlier this month after less than nine months in the job. LaFontaine Oliver, the former CEO who became executive chair, is serving as interim president, and a temporary Office of the CEO that also includes Jenna Weiss-Berman and Gary Knell is running the organization while the search for a permanent chief executive goes on.
"Over three decades, Kim has helped some of the country's most respected cultural institutions secure transformative gifts, grow their donor bases, and build sustainable and enduring fundraising operations," Oliver said.