Wave Hill’s fundraising phenom to step down

The Board of Directors of Wave Hill announced on Dec. 10 that Claudia Bonn will be stepping down as president and executive director of Wave Hill in six months, at the end of the institution’s 50th anniversary. 

During her seven-year tenure, Ms. Bonn oversaw a successful fundraising capital campaign for the $10-million renovation of historic Wave Hill House, the transition to a new director of horticulture — only the third in the institution’s history — and the continued development of a broad range of education and public programs, with a special emphasis on the arts that has raised Wave Hill’s visibility.

The institution reported that since the reopening of Wave Hill House, annual attendance at Wave Hill has grown by 19 percent, while membership has expanded by 17 percent. That represents the largest support from membership in the institution’s history. In addition, Wave Hill’s endowment has grown by 17 percent during Ms. Bonn’s tenure.

Wave Hill’s board of trustees has formed a search committee to begin the process of securing a new director, to be in place prior to Ms. Bonn’s departure at the end of June 2015. 

“I am deeply grateful for the privilege of working at a place as beautiful and meaningful as Wave Hill,” stated Ms. Bonn. “I am so proud of Wave Hill’s staff and what we have been able to accomplish together—their passion is evident when you walk through the gardens, or attend a concert, exhibition or workshop. Their commitment to excellence is truly inspiring.”

“Claudia joined Wave Hill just prior to the crisis that overtook the economy in 2008,” commented Board Co-Chair Sarah Gund. “At a time when other organizations were cutting back on programs and eliminating jobs, Claudia not only ensured that Wave Hill would continue to serve the public, but also charged forward remarkably with an enormously ambitious capital campaign for renovating Wave Hill House.” 

Prior to joining Wave Hill, Ms. Bonn spent fifteen years at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the last five serving as its executive director. Before that, she worked for 10 years in dance, at both the Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.