The Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) has selected David M. Shearrer as Assistant Director of Development and External Relations, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He began his tenure on October 16, 2023.
Bringing more than 30 years of fundraising experience, Shearrer will oversee the museum’s philanthropic giving, sponsorship, membership and marketing initiatives. Shearrer served in several development leadership positions at Washington University School of Medicine over the last 19 years, including his role as Associate Vice Chancellor for medical development. His strategic guidance was instrumental in surpassing a $1 billion medicine fundraising campaign goal. He also developed and led the university’s first formal grateful patient fundraising program, which doubled annual fundraising within just five years.
Shearrer previously worked in development positions at the Saint Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation and Missouri Baptist University. Shearrer holds a bachelor of accountancy degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and a master of business administration degree from Webster University.
In making the announcement, the museum’s Barbara B. Taylor Director Min Jung Kim said, “I am delighted to have David join the Saint Louis Art Museum leadership team at a critical time as we build on the strong momentum of the past year. David has deep connections to the St. Louis region, and his wealth of knowledge and experience in philanthropy will truly be a great asset to our ongoing and future initiatives.”
“Congratulations to both SLAM and David,” said ACG Vice President Todd Ahrens. “After an extensive national search, ACG is excited to see how the museum will advance with the introduction of David and his experience as a highly skilled fundraiser and leader.”