The American Academy in Rome is pleased to announce its selection for a new director of development, Ketter Weissman, who will start her role on April 22, 2024. Weissman, who joins the Academy after serving as associate director of the New York gallery Casey Kaplan, brings dynamic experience in operations and fundraising across cultural institutions and private galleries.
As a member of the senior leadership team, she will work closely with Academy President Peter N. Miller, members of the Board of Trustees, and senior staff to execute fundraising strategies based on institutional priorities, steward philanthropic relationships, and grow the Academy’s support in all areas.
At Casey Kaplan, Ketter worked with artists and clients, organizing exhibitions and art fairs, and collaborating with museums internationally. Previously Ketter spent seven years at the Studio Museum in Harlem, ending as associate director of strategic initiatives. There she closed major gift solicitations, established a new patron group, facilitated corporate sponsorships, and played a significant role in the museum’s capital campaign.
“Since 1894, the American Academy in Rome has exhibited a tireless commitment to supporting innovation in and across the humanities,” said Weissman. “I look forward to working alongside Peter N. Miller and the organization’s staff and board as the Academy continues and deepens its work to support artists, writers, and scholars.”
Weissman began her career in New York at the Museum of Modern Art. She holds a BA in urban planning from the University of Pennsylvania and completed postgraduate studies in contemporary critical discourse at Goldsmiths, University of London. Originally from Los Angeles, Weissman calls New York home.