The Hermitage Artist Retreat Appoints New Development Director

Bruce Rodgers, the executive director of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, recently announced that the organization has welcomed Sara Krusenstjerna as its new development director. He notes that Krusenstjerna “brings extensive, executive-level experience in all areas of development.” In her new role, Krusenstjerna will oversee all aspects of the Hermitage’s development operation, including fundraising initiatives, corporate and foundation relations, community outreach, major gifts, and planned giving.

“Sara is the perfect person to fulfill this role,” says Rodgers. “She brings a multi-disciplinary background, with extensive experience in administration and development for nonprofit and higher education institutions. With parents who were musicians in academia, Sara has been immersed in the world of arts and education from birth, surrounded by people dedicated to the principle that creative expression, lifelong learning, and community engagement are centrally important to the healthy functioning of all aspects of our culture. In addition, she’s lived and worked in Sarasota before so she’s familiar with the area and is happy to be back.”

In prior roles, Krusenstjerna worked closely with organizational and community leaders to fulfill the full spectrum of philanthropic responsibilities, including planning and building comprehensive fundraising programs, developing strategic partnerships, and fostering strong relationships with donors.

Most recently, Krusenstjerna served as director of philanthropic planning for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra where she was responsible for developing the legacy giving program and fostering partnerships with regional estate planning professionals. Before the BSO, Krusenstjerna worked for 10 years in academic fundraising: She was director of development at the University of Arizona, and vice president of philanthropy at New College Foundation in Sarasota. In the Sarasota region, Krusenstjerna also served as a consultant with numerous social services and arts organizations, including the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Sarasota County Arts Council, Asolo Rep, Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, and Child Protection Center. Before that, she was executive director of Young Audiences of Rochester, then the largest arts learning organization in upstate New York. Krusenstjerna holds a BA in Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester, and a JD from Columbia University School of Law. She also pursued post-graduate research in sociology at the University of Edinburgh as a Rotary scholar.

“I am delighted to return to Sarasota and deeply honored to join the Hermitage staff,” says Krusenstjerna. “I look forward to working with colleagues, friends and community partners on behalf of this extraordinary organization. What a wonderful homecoming!”