Van Wezel Foundation Names Julie Schwartz Director of Development

June 10, 2022 – Sarasota

The Van Wezel Foundation is pleased to announce that Julie Schwartz has joined the Foundation as director of development. In this role, Schwartz is responsible for annual giving operations and fundraising initiatives to support the Foundation’s mission of creating and sustaining a vibrant performing arts center, advancing education and enriching communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. 

Schwartz comes to the Foundation with more than 20 years of experience working at renowned arts and culture organizations. Most recently, Schwartz worked at Carnegie Hall in New York as a senior project manager, responsible for the strategy and implementation for the replacement of the Hall’s enterprise software system which is used for artistic planning, repertoire management and organizational operations. Prior to that position, Schwartz was director of development services for Carnegie Hall’s advancement programs. In addition, she has held project manager positions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and senior development positions at The Clark Art Institute and Boston Symphony Orchestra.  

“Julie has an impressive breadth of experience successfully building and leading annual funds, growing membership programs, implementing special events and managing development operations,” said Mark Cole, Foundation Chief Advancement and Marketing Officer. “Julie brings best practice fundraising experience to the Foundation at a pivotal time as we grow our private philanthropy support to realize the promise of a new performing arts center for the region.”

“I am honored to join the Foundation’s leadership team at such an exciting time,” said Schwartz. “I look forward to working together with the philanthropic community on this important next chapter.”