Ryan Merkel (BSBA ’08) | December 2024
Merkel (BSBA 2008) was hired as the National Gallery of Art’s new principal gifts officer and assumed the role on December 1.
As the National Gallery’s principal gifts officer, Merkel will work with the chief development officer Sean O’Connor and members of the development team to identify and cultivate major philanthropic gifts from individuals in the private sector in support of the nation’s art museum. Merkel will work to expand the National Gallery’s donor base to support our renowned exhibitions, programming, and strategic initiatives.
Over the past 15 years, Merkel has dedicated himself to funding mission-driven museums and arts organizations, most recently as chief development officer at Washington’s Arena Stage, one of the largest producing theaters in the country. As a member of the executive team, he oversaw the management of thousands of donors and facilitated a range of fundraising campaigns stewarding the growth of the organization while ensuring that values and ethics remained at the center of philanthropic contributions. His leadership also played a pivotal role in the theater’s navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, raising millions of dollars to ensure the institution’s stability and continued growth.
Merkel began his career in development at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, where he worked for three years. He also worked at the Newseum for four years as manager and then director of individual giving.
