Danielle St.Germain, who was most recently the executive director at the San Francisco Ballet, will join the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco as its chief philanthropy officer, the institution announced Tuesday, May 2.
“We count ourselves incredibly fortunate to be able to draw from her extensive experience, achievements and deep knowledge of our city,” said Thomas P. Campbell, director and CEO of FAMSF, which includes the de Young Museum and the Legion of Honor. “With the Legion of Honor centenary around the corner and inclusive engagement with the Bay Area community at both the Legion and the de Young as top museum priorities, she is stepping in at a crucial time.”
The news comes less than two weeks after St.Germain abruptlystepped downfrom her leadership position at the Ballet after a year. No reason for her departure was given by the dance company or St.Germain on the day of that announcement on April 21.
A national search for the position was conducted with Arts Consulting Group.
年代t.Germain is expected to begin her new role in June, before FAMSF marks the 100th anniversary of the Legion of Honor Museum in 2024. She is expected to “plan, implement and oversee the Fine Arts Museums’ philanthropic initiatives across development, special events and museum membership in support of the organization’s strategic vision and growth,” according to FAMSF.
Among the first projects she will be responsible for is the ambitious acquisition campaign of new art called the Gift of Art, which already added“Venice, the Grand Canal looking East with Santa Maria della Salute”by artist Giovanni Antonio Canal to its collection. It was purchased by FAMSF trustee and chair emerita Dede Wilsey ahead of the Ann and Gordon Getty Collection auction from Christie’s in October 2022.
“The Fine Arts Museums are at a very exciting juncture in its storied history, and I look forward to working closely with the philanthropic community that so warmly welcomed me to S.F. in 2018,” St.Germain said in a statement.
年代t.Germain began at the San Francisco Ballet as chief development officer in 2018. When then-executive directorKelly Tweedale abruptly resignedfrom the position in June 2021 after a year, St.Germain became interim director. Nine months later, shewas appointed to the jobin a permanent capacity.
During her 13 months as executive director, St.Germain helped navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, appointing a chief diversity officer, partnering with San Francisco Conservatory of Music to launch the Denis de Coteau Fellowship for Black musicians, and leading the company’s most successful fundraising gala to date in spring 2022.
Before the San Francisco Ballet, St.Germain worked as the director of development for the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis as well as the chief development officer at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, D.C.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join Tom and his incredible team at the Fine Arts Museums … (and) delighted to return to my earlier museum roots,” St.Germain said. “Being part of the team that will ensure that the museums thrive and continue to propel curiosity, engagement and conversations for the long term is a dream come true!”
Reach Tony Bravo: tbravo@sfchronicle.com