MIAMI, FL.- Glenn W. Ekey, a seasoned development executive with nearly three decades experience in the nonprofit sector, has joined Miami Art Museum (MAM) as director of development. In this role, Mr. Ekey will be charged with broadening the museum’s base of financial support among both individuals and corporations. His work will include building and strengthening MAM’s relationships with the South Florida business community, overseeing institutional fundraising activities and securing major gifts. Mr. Ekey previously served as chief development officer for the Palm Beach Zoo and president and CEO of the Zoological Society of Florida.

Mr. Ekey’s appointment comes at a key juncture in MAM’s history; the museum is preparing to break ground on its new home in downtown Miami’s waterfront Museum Park.

“Galvanizing private sector support for Miami Art Museum is a top objective for our organization as we get set to enter the next chapter of our history,” said Aaron Podhurst, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees. “Glenn Ekey is the right person to lead that effort. Glenn’s track record of success in the nonprofit arena, coupled with his leadership qualities and existing relationships with South Florida’s donor community, will be key to sustaining and building on the institutional momentum MAM has enjoyed in recent years.”

Among Mr. Ekey’s priorities as director of development will be generating fundraising support for the museum’s “MAM and Schools” program. Miami Art Museum currently has the largest art education program outside the Miami-Dade County school system. Other areas of focus will include securing grants, growing MAM’s endowment and generating additional support for the museum’s capital campaign.

“This is an exciting time to join Miami Art Museum,” said Mr. Ekey. “I have long considered the visual arts to be a key component of our community and I’m enthusiastic about MAM’s future as one of the staples of the South Florida arts landscape. Realizing MAM’s potential to become a cultural port that links the U.S. with Latin America and the Caribbean will require continued investment on the part of our private sector and grant-funding organizations. I look forward to leading that charge as director of development.”

At the Zoological Society of Florida, Mr. Ekey was instrumental in raising significant public and private funds for the zoo’s $350 million master plan. He also developed a public/private partnership between the Zoological Society and Miami-Dade County which reversed Miami Metrozoo’s financial decline and increased attendance by 25 percent.

Previous positions included serving as director of the Rhode Island Zoological Society and director of marketing and public relations for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Mr. Ekey earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. He is married with one daughter.