Chief Advancement Officer

The Morgan Library & Museum has appointed Rebecca L. Rutherfurd as Chief Advancement Officer, effective October 27, 2025. Reporting to Colin B. Bailey, Katharine J. Rayner Director, Rutherfurd will serve as a key member of the museum’s senior team.

As chief advancement officer, Rutherfurd will oversee all aspects of institutional advancement, including individual giving; membership and patron programs; special events and galas; foundation, corporate, and government support; exhibition and special program funding; planned giving; trustee relations and board development; and communications and marketing. Building upon the momentum of the Morgan’s Centennial Campaign and strategic plan, Rutherfurd will lead and implement the vision and strategy for a comprehensive advancement program, building upon the strengths of the Morgan as the institution charts an ambitious future trajectory.

"We’re thrilled to have Rebecca step into the position of Chief Advancement Officer,” said Colin B. Bailey. “This is an exciting time for the Morgan—these last few years have been among our most impactful, with the successful centennial celebrations, as well as acclaimed exhibitions, vibrant public programs, and landmark acquisitions. We look forward to collaborating with Rebecca and benefiting from her impressive expertise to sustain and further build on this momentum."

Rutherfurd was most recently the executive director of fundraising strategies and campaigns at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she was responsible for all aspects of the institution’s $1.5 billion We’re Changing Medicine capital campaign supporting Weill Cornell’s mission to care, discover, and teach. In this role, she also oversaw campaign administration, board engagement efforts, events, and donor relations.

“The Morgan is such a unique and treasured place, and it’s a true privilege to join the institution in this key role,” said Rutherfurd. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work in support of the Morgan’s mission and partner with my new colleagues to deepen our connections with onsite and online visitors, members, and supporters and ensure that our advancement efforts will bolster and sustain the institution’s goals for the future.”

Prior to her time at Weill Cornell Medicine, Rutherfurd held various roles in the cultural sector, including deputy chief development officer for campaign and stewardship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; as well as positions at the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers/Scholastic Inc., the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment, and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. 

Rutherfurd holds a bachelor of arts degree in art history from the University of Virginia. She is a member of Women in Development, New York.

Jack Gorman led this search with Bryce Ervin and Ryan Cheung.