(New York, November 9, 2004)—The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced today the promotion of Nina Diefenbach to the post of Vice President for Development and Membership. She was elected at today's meeting of the Museum's Board of Trustees.
"We are delighted to recognize the achievements of this talented and dedicated executive," said David E. McKinney, President of the Museum. "She has demonstrated exceptional ability, and the institution is pleased to acknowledge her efforts and ask her to assume important new responsibilities."
Commented Emily K. Rafferty, the Museum's Senior Vice President and President-elect: "I very much look forward to working with Nina Diefenbach in her expanded role in the future. I have worked with her for many years, and have come to rely on her administrative ability and institutional knowledge. I am confident that she will help make the upcoming presidential transition seamless, and will go on to make significant contributions in her new post."
Nina Diefenbach has served since 2001 as the Met's Deputy Vice President for External Affairs and Chief Development Officer, responsible for the day-to-day management of the Development Office, including individual giving, foundation and government grants, corporate sponsorships, annual giving, and the Museum's ongoing $900 million "Fund for the Met" capital campaign.
A 23-year veteran of the Museum staff, Ms. Diefenbach started her career at the Metropolitan as an executive assistant in the Counsel's Office, joining the Development Office in 1984 as a senior grants officer. She was promoted to Manager in 1986, and became Chief Development Officer in 1998.
Educated at Trinity College in Hartford (B.A.), she earned her Masters in arts management at New York University. She also studied at London's Institute of European Studies.
Active in professional associations including the Art Museum Development Association, Women in Development, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, among other organizations, Ms. Diefenbach often speaks before arts and business organizations on the subject of funding at not-for-profit institutions. Among her voluntary commitments, she has served in a variety of fundraising and alumni capacities at her alma mater, Trinity College, including the executive committee of the national alumni association and the 20th-reunion gift committee. She is also a trustee emeritus of the Pelham Art Center, and serves as well on the Development Committee for the Harlem Episcopal School.
Ms. Diefenbach, her husband, and their three children reside in Pelham.
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