The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Johnson as the Museum’s new deputy director, development and external affairs. Johnson joins SFMOMA from The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, where he served as director of development. Johnson commences his duties at SFMOMA on September 15, 2003.
As deputy director, development and external affairs, Johnson will be responsible for the strategic advancement of the Museum’s development, communications, and institutional marketing efforts. He will conceive and implement high-level projects, including new initiatives for enhancing contributed revenue, securing major gifts of art and program-specific support and establishing strategies to enhance contributed and earned revenue sources. Johnson will also oversee the Museum’s development, membership, marketing and communications staffs, and, with the senior management team, participate in institutional policy making.
SFMOMA Director Neal Benezra states, “I am delighted to welcome Paul to SFMOMA. With more than a decade of experience with nonprofits and community organizations, he has a proven record as an effective fund-raiser and manager. His enthusiasm and expertise will be great assets to the Museum in the years ahead.”
Johnson comments, “I am extremely excited to join Neal, the Board of Trustees and the staff of SFMOMA to continue to build on the Museum’s reputation and tradition. I look forward to being a part of SFMOMA’s very exciting future.”
Johnson joined The Museum of Contemporary Art in 2000 as director of development, and was responsible for all fund-raising initiatives (which totaled $11.2 million for fiscal year 2002). During his tenure, MOCA’s membership increased 50% and the institution secured over $7 million in new and increased major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations. Johnson was instrumental in securing important corporate sponsorships for the exhibition Andy Warhol Retrospective (2002), which in turn resulted in a national advertising campaign and economic activity that brought more than $55 million to the city of Los Angeles.
Prior to working at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Johnson served as director of development at the New York University Child Study Center, New York; senior development officer at Columbia University, New York; regional director of major gifts at Oberlin College, Ohio; and director of development at Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Minneapolis. He holds a master’s degree in music in from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in music from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.