Eunice Lee has been appointed as the new Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. In her new role, Lee will be responsible for leading the museum’s fundraising strategies and working to build relationships with trustees, donors, and community partners at various levels. She will report to Dr. Soyoung Lee, the museum’s Barbara Bass Bakar Director & CEO, and manage a team of about 22 staff members. As part of the executive leadership team, she is expected to ensure that fundraising remains a key consideration in strategic planning.
Lee previously worked at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, where she served as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Events. During her 13 years at the Whitney, she contributed to a $760 million capital campaign and played a role in the museum’s relocation to its Renzo Piano-designed building in Manhattan. She also established a 10-year partnership with Hyundai Auto for a new commission series and led the Whitney’s annual Gala to record-breaking fundraising totals, including $6 million at its most recent event. Additionally, Lee developed the Founding Corporate Membership program and launched several other initiatives that expanded corporate support for the Whitney.
Before joining the Whitney Museum, Lee held positions in philanthropy and education at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
“Eunice’s proven track record in ambitious fundraising, coupled with her deep commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and her entrepreneurial approach, makes her the ideal partner as we embark on this exciting next chapter,” said Dr. Soyoung Lee. “Her experience building international networks will be invaluable as we work to establish the Asian Art Museum as both a global leader in Asian art and culture and a top destination for the Bay Area.”
“The Asian Art Museum’s mission to celebrate and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures resonates deeply with me,” said Ms. Lee. “I look forward to building transformative partnerships that sustain its vital work for generations to come.”
Salle Yoo, Chair of both governing boards for the museum, stated: “Eunice’s strategic vision, collaborative leadership style, and impressive fundraising accomplishments will be instrumental in expanding our philanthropic reach as we launch the museum’s new era under the leadership of Dr. Soyoung Lee. We are excited to partner with her in this important work.”
Lee holds an M.Litt. in History of Art and Connoisseurship from Christie’s Education/University of Glasgow and a B.A. in Art History from University of Southern California. She also completed Columbia Business School’s Museum Leadership Program.
The search for this position was conducted by Aspen Leadership Group.
The Asian Art Museum is located in San Francisco and holds more than 20,000 works representing Asian and Asian American art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces.
