The Morton Arboretum, Vice President of Development

The Morton Arboretum (Morton or the Arboretum) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christie Hoyt as the next Vice President of Development, effective April 20, 2026. Reporting to President and CEO Jill Koski, Hoyt will guide the Arboretum’s comprehensive development program in support of its ambitious and forward-thinking strategic plan. Hoyt joins Morton from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) where, since 2022, she has led the first phase of One for All, the organization’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign to raise $500 million for athletes on the road to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Beginning her career in major and individual giving roles at leading cultural institutions in Chicago, Hoyt has built a mission-driven development career spanning nearly two decades and with deep expertise in major gifts, campaign strategy, and high-level donor engagement. Her early experience at The Field Museum and Adler Planetarium provided a strong foundation in frontline fundraising, volunteer engagement, and donor stewardship, partnering closely with scientific and executive leadership to support institutional priorities. 

Hoyt spent eight formative years at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in progressively senior roles, ultimately serving as senior director of major giving and campaign, and directing the LIMITLESS capital campaign to achieve its $350 million goal. Over the course of her tenure, Hoyt strategically contributed to reach record-breaking fundraising years; managed a robust major gift pipeline; and supported the museum president and senior leadership on transformative solicitations, including the $125 million naming gift. 

Hoyt holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Michigan State University. 

Jack Gorman led this search with Nicole Poe and Sandeep Kaur.