Jill Westgard, Cfre
About Jill Westgard, Cfre
Jill Westgard, CFRE, serves as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Yale School of Architecture and Yale School of Art. With over 25 years of experience in development, she focuses on enhancing accessibility in arts and education through innovative fundraising initiatives.
Current Role at Yale University
Jill Westgard serves as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations for the Yale School of Architecture and the Yale School of Art. She has held this position since 2021, contributing to the schools' fundraising and alumni engagement efforts. In her role, she focuses on enhancing accessibility to arts and education through innovative fundraising initiatives. Westgard collaborates with a broad network of colleagues, development professionals, and art enthusiasts to develop effective communication and fundraising programs.
Previous Experience at Yale University
Before her current role, Jill Westgard worked at Yale University as the Director of Development for the Yale School of Architecture and the Yale School of Art from 2018 to 2021. Her tenure spanned three years, during which she was involved in various development initiatives aimed at supporting the schools' missions. Additionally, she served as the Deputy Director for Advancement at the Yale University Art Gallery from 2004 to 2018, where she focused on advancement strategies over a period of 14 years.
Professional Background in Arts and Education
Jill Westgard has over 25 years of experience in development, particularly within the arts and education sectors. Her career includes significant roles such as Director of Development at the Neuberger Museum of Art from 1998 to 2004 and Development and Marketing Assistant at the Chazen Museum of Art from 1993 to 1996. This extensive background has equipped her with a deep understanding of fundraising strategies and community engagement in the arts.
Educational Qualifications
Jill Westgard earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Virginia, where she studied from 1988 to 1992. She later pursued a Master of Arts (M.A.) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, completing her studies from 1993 to 1995. Her educational background has provided her with a solid foundation for her career in development and the arts.