Seasoned arts and culture leader brings more than 15 years of executive experience in philanthropy, community engagement and organizational growth
The Atlanta Ballet distributed the following announcement:
The Atlanta Ballet Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Zachary Brown as chief development officer. In this new role, Brown will lead efforts to increase philanthropic support and drive Atlanta Ballet towards greater financial stability as it approaches its 100th anniversary.
Brown joins Atlanta Ballet having most recently served as executive vice president of development at WABE, Atlanta’s community-supported NPR and PBS affiliate. During his tenure, he grew major-gift revenue from approximately $600,000 to more than $3 million in just two years and launched the station’s first planned giving program in its 48-year history, securing multiple planned giving commitments totaling more than $1 million. His work helped build a stronger philanthropic infrastructure while deepening relationships with major and legacy donors.
Brown brings extensive experience in Atlanta’s arts and nonprofit community. Previously, he served as director of development, special events and volunteer leadership at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, leading efforts in donor cultivation, stewardship, special events and volunteer leadership. He has also held senior development roles with Habitat for Humanity International, Communities In Schools of Atlanta and Hands On Atlanta.
“Zachary’s breadth of experience in nonprofit fundraising and deep relationships across Atlanta make him an outstanding addition to Atlanta Ballet’s leadership team at a pivotal time,” said Nancy Field, chair of the Atlanta Ballet Board of Trustees. “His leadership will be instrumental as we ramp up to our Centennial and seek to translate the remarkable growth the Ballet has experienced in both prestige and audience size into elevated philanthropic support and community engagement.”
Beyond his professional work, Brown resides in Marietta and has remained active in the Atlanta community, serving on the boards of local organizations, including Canopy Life International, the Suzi Bass Awards and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Atlanta Chapter.
About Atlanta Ballet:
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is the longest continually operating ballet company in the United States. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics, contemporary masterworks and world premieres. After 97 seasons, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education, which is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. The Centre is ranked among the top 10 ballet schools in the country and provides high caliber dance classes to almost 1,500 children annually. Atlanta Ballet’s roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Instagram @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.