Nonprofit names new development director

SARASOTA — The Hermitage Artist Retreat named Sara Krusenstjerna its new development director.

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, according to a press release. 

Most recently, Krusenstjerna served as director of philanthropic planning for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. There she was responsible for developing the legacy giving program and fostering partnerships with regional estate planning professionals.

Prior to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Krusenstjerna worked in academic fundraising for 10 years. 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 has also served as a consultant with several social services and arts organizations, including the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County (formerly Sarasota County Arts Council), Asolo Repertory Theatre, Coastal Behavioral Healthcare and the Child Protection Center, the release states. 

“Sara is the perfect person to fulfill this role,” says Hermitage Artist Retreat Executive Director Bruce Rodgers in the statement. “She brings a multi-disciplinary background, with extensive experience in administration and development for nonprofit and higher education institutions."

The Hermitage is a nonprofit artist retreat in Englewood in Sarasota County. It invites artists in all disciplines for residencies on its beachfront campus. Hermitage fellows have included Pulitzer, Tony, Emmy, Grammy and MacArthur Fellowship award winners.