New York Public Radio Names Kimberly Watson as Chief Development Officer
Watson brings over three decades of experience working with cultural institutions in frontline fundraising and donor cultivation
New York, NY – October 21, 2026 New York Public Radio (NYPR) announced today that Kimberly Watson has been named Chief Development Officer (CDO). Watson will lead the organization’s development and membership teams. Watson’s extensive experience working with major cultural institutions as a strategic advisor, fundraising leader and development consultant has led to an impressive resume of success in individual, major donor and corporate fundraising.
“We’re excited to welcome Kim to New York Public Radio,” said LaFontaine E. Oliver, Interim President and Executive Chair. “Over three decades, Kim has helped some of the country’s most respected cultural institutions secure transformative gifts, grow their donor bases, and build sustainable and enduring fundraising operations. She knows how to connect the stories of cherished institutions to the people that power them, and we are thrilled to welcome Kim to this organization’s excellent team as they continue to reach and cultivate new and existing loyal supporters throughout New York and beyond.”
As CDO, Watson will be responsible for increasing philanthropic support from all sources, overseeing member, donor and institutional giving. Among her key priorities will be building robust and sustainable major, principal and transformative gifts programs from individual and institutional donors and driving membership growth. As NYPR continues to evolve, Watson will also work to expand access to the organization’s loyal and generationally diverse donors through increased digital initiatives, live events and more.
Watson joins NYPR from her current role as a strategic advisor to non-profit institutions, with a specialty in arts and cultural institutions. She has a strong background in working with leadership teams at top-tier organizations to secure transformative gifts and sponsorships, strengthen boards, build organizational fundraising capacity and guide capital campaigns and special initiatives. Before becoming an advisor, Watson held leadership roles in development at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the High Museum of Art.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team as NYPR continues to grow its impact,” said Watson. “I’ve always believed in the power of arts and culture, and in the role journalism and storytelling play in helping us understand the world and one another. I can’t think of a more important mission than making these stories and perspectives accessible to everyone.”
Watson’s history working with cultural institutions comes at a time when NYPR is expanding its cultural offerings through new programs and an expanded schedule of live events in The Greene Space and around New York City. Additional upcoming events include NYPR’s annual gala, taking place on November 17, 2026 at The Glasshouse; a live performance in The Greene Space from pianist Igor Levit, hosted by WNYC and WQXR’s John Schaefer; In Conversation: The Affordability Series, a series of panel discussions on important issues hosted by the WNYC/Gothamist newsroom; and All Of It with Alison Stewart’s “Get Lit” book club talks and live performance series, in partnership with the New York Public Library.
About New York Public Radio
With an urban vibrancy and a global perspective, New York Public Radio (NYPR) produces innovative, critically acclaimed programming for local and national broadcast, on-demand and live streaming audiences. NYPR’s brands include WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, New Jersey Public Radio and The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. The WNYC/Gothamist newsroom produces award-winning local journalism for New York City, New Jersey and the surrounding region. WQXR, the city’s only all-classical radio station, broadcasts new and archival classical recordings and makes live performances from New York City’s esteemed performance venues available to all. WNYC Studios is a premier producer of on-demand and national broadcast audio, and home to some of the industry’s most impactful award-winning podcasts and national radio shows, including Radiolab, On The Media and The New Yorker Radio Hour, among others. The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space is NYPR’s intimate street-level broadcast studio and live event space. Further information about programs, podcasts and stations may be found at www.nypublicradio.org.