Folger Shakespeare Library
(Folger) has selected Glenda Noel-Ney as Director of Development, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). She began her tenure on August 14, 2023.
Noel-Ney, a seasoned arts leader with over three decades of experience in fundraising, strategic planning, and team building, is set to collaborate closely with the Folger’s Director Michael Witmore. Together, they will actively engage the Folger's Board of Governors, philanthropic partners, and dedicated donor base to guide a robust fundraising strategy.
In making the announcement, Witmore said, “We are delighted to welcome Glenda Noel-Ney to the Folger team. Her proven record of fundraising success and her considerable experience will position the Folger well for our next chapter, including the 100th anniversary in 2032.”
Prior to her role at the Folger, Noel-Ney served as a consultant at ACG, where she contributed to impactful projects for esteemed organizations such as The Newark Museum of Art, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, and Bucks County Playhouse. Before that, she held the position of Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Bethune-Cookman University, a historically black university located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Her extensive professional journey also includes the role of Director of Principal Gifts at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, where she notably was credited for her contributions within a team that raised more than $17M during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in her career, she held significant roles as the Vice President of Advancement at the Overture Center for the Arts, Development Director for the Wisconsin Union at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Philanthropic Program Manager at American Express, contributing to great institutional success.
“I look forward to joining the dynamic and creative team at the Folger Shakespeare Library. I am impressed with the level of scholarship and commitment of the staff and can’t wait to participate in the extraordinary cultural programming that will take place,” said Noel-Ney. “There is something for everyone at the Folger, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues to establish strong relationships with our donors, friends, and the DC community.”
“Following a comprehensive executive search process, we’re thrilled to congratulate the Folger on their selection of Glenda as the new Director Development,” said ACG Senior Vice President Nan Keeton. “Glenda embodies an exceptional blend of innovative philanthropy and ambitious vision. Her track record speaks volumes, and we anticipate the remarkable contributions she will bring to the Folger.”