Lee O’Rourke has been appointed Deputy Senior Director of Development for Arizona Arts. O’Rourke has worked in the College of Education development office for six years; the last three years as the Director of Development. She will begin on June 14.
O’Rourke, a College of Fine Arts alumna, will report to Tilghman Moyer, the Executive Director of Development.
“I am thrilled that Lee is joining the Arizona Arts development team,” said Moyer. “Her level of experience, commitment to the advancement of University and passion for the arts are all reasons why she was the right candidate for this important role. Lee’s appointment is the next step in building the team responsible to secure private support to fulfill the vision of Arizona Arts.”
In this role O’Rourke will be responsible for all aspects of cultivating major gift prospects and will lead key division fundraising initiatives, while personally managing a major and principal gift portfolio. She will be a member of the University and Alumni Development Program, which will create and exceed fundraising goals for Arizona Arts. She will partner closely with Arizona Arts leadership, the University of Arizona Foundation and serve as a leadership partner with all Arizona Arts units on fundraising priorities and development initiatives.
“As a proud College of Fine Arts (Media Arts) alumna and having worked in the college early in my career, I have a special place in my heart for the arts,” O’Rourke said. “I see this as a wonderful ‘full-circle’ moment allowing me to bring my skills and experience in fundraising to Arizona Arts. I look forward to working with the development and leadership teams during this exciting time of growth to help bring the new vision for Arizona Arts to fruition.”
During her six years with the College of Education, O’Rourke was responsible for all aspects of fundraising and alumni relations. In those roles she raised over $16 million, secured an endowed chair, and launched a capital campaign. O’Rourke expanded the College of Education’s charitable foundation grant program, which has led to 117 grant submissions over the past four years with 71 awards, resulting in $5.5 million for the College.
“We are really fortunate to add someone of Lee’s experience and ability to our development team,” said Andrew Schulz, Vice President for the Arts at the University of Arizona. “I am confident that she will build donor-centric relationships that will ultimately give us the means to realize our Arts Master Plan, elevating the arts in our classrooms, on our campus and in our community.”
O’Rourke’s husband, Paul, is also a CFA alumnus. They met the day before classes started in their senior year. The couple’s three children also attended the University of Arizona.
“When I met with the Arizona Arts leadership, it was obvious that everyone is very excited about the new Arts Master Plan … their passion was infectious,” she said. “I am thrilled to be a part of the Arizona Arts team!”