WINTERTHUR, DE (October 14, 2024)—Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library has appointed Merissa Courtright as its first Chief Development Officer, a newly created position aimed at enhancing the institution’s philanthropic efforts.
Chris Strand, Charles F. Montgomery Director and CEO of Winterthur, shared his excitement about the appointment, stating, “Merissa is a respected and accomplished philanthropic leader with deep experience in donor cultivation and in mentoring development teams to achieve substantial fundraising goals. Her background in capital campaigns, major gifts, planned gifts, corporate gifts and individual donor programs will be instrumental to Winterthur’s growth.”
Courtright brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Chief Development Officer at Duke University School of Medicine’s Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. During her tenure, she successfully raised over $10 million annually and led her team to secure an additional $19 million in philanthropic revenue each year.
In addition to her work at Duke, Courtright has made significant contributions to renowned organizations such as Johns Hopkins University, World Wildlife Fund, the National Law Enforcement Museum, and the National Building Museum.
Courtright holds a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Tulane University.
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ABOUT WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY
Winterthur—known worldwide for its preeminent collection of American decorative arts, naturalistic garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture— offers a variety of tours, exhibitions, programs, and activities throughout the year.
Winterthur is located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Delaware, and five miles south of U.S. Route 1. Winterthur is committed to accessible programming for all. For information, including special services, call 800.448.3883 or visit winterthur.org.