Regional Peforming Arts Center Appoints New Development Vice President
March 8, 2002
Ms. Watson has been a development executive in the Philadelphia area for over 20 years, most recently serving as Vice President for Development at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia since 1994. At CHOP she oversaw a comprehensive fundraising program with an annual goal of $30 million. She previously held various development positions at Thomas Jefferson University including special gifts, corporate and foundation relations and created the research office.
"We are thrilled to have someone of Kathleen's stature in the fundraising world join us as we embark on our first year of operating The Kimmel Center and managing the Academy of Music. Her knowledge of the Philadelphia community, wonderful strategic planning skills and record of success make her the ideal person to join our team. Now that we have opened the glorious new building, we look forward to growing our base of support and sharing the joy of live performances with ever broadening audiences," commented Ms. Price.
Ms. Watson graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979 and immediately began her development career as a researcher in the University's development office. She spent 11 years in various development capacities at Thomas Jefferson University before joining Children's Hospital in 1993. Ms. Watson is a member and former Board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Philadelphia Chapter; a Board member of The Woodmark Group (a non-profit consortium of leading children's hospitals in North America); and, was designated a Certified Fund Raising Executive in 1986. She was honored as Philadelphia's fundraising executive of the year in 1996.
Ms. Watson said, "I am delighted to be joining the staff of the world class Kimmel Center which recently opened to such national and international acclaim. I have watched and been impressed by their extraordinary fundraising success - completing the largest cultural campaign in the City's history. This enormous achievement bodes well for long term support of the Center and I look forward to working with such a committed Board and staff."
Ms. Watson is a resident of Bryn Mawr, PA.
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