Robert Ryan appointed at Civilization and War Museums

Posted on: 16/08/2010

Robert Ryan appointed at Civilization
and War Museums

Gatineau, Quebec, August, 12, 2010 — The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Ryan as its new Executive Director, Development, effective August 9.

Mr. Ryan will oversee the CMCC’s efforts to increase fundraising profile and build support through philanthropy and sponsorships, including campaigns like the National Collection Fund, and annual events such as the Valentine’s Day Ball. These fundraising activities help finance major exhibitions, manage collections, acquire and restore artifacts, and enhance educational and outreach programs at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum.

An accredited Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 1997, Mr. Ryan has extensive experience with both Canadian and American non-profit organizations. His fundraising expertise extends to planned giving, major gifts, corporate relations, board training and campaigns, particularly with cultural, health care and higher education institutions.

Originally from Rhode Island, Mr. Ryan moved to Ottawa in 1993 and became a Canadian citizen in 1996. From 1995 through 2004, he held fundraising positions with the University of Ottawa, CARE Canada, The Glebe Centre and the Canadian Red Cross Society.

Most recently, he was the Associate Vice-President for Development and Major Giving with Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where he was responsible for planning a $500-million campaign. Before that, he served as Vice-President and Managing Director for Grenzebach Glier & Associates, Inc., an international philanthropic consulting firm based in Chicago. He also played a leading role with the Public Television Major Giving Initiative (MGI), a fundraising training program launched by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. 

Mr. Ryan earned a BA in History from Vassar College in New York State in 1980 and a Master’s in Management for the Canadian Voluntary Sector from McGill University in 2002. His Master’s thesis, “Can’t We Be Friends. An Ethical Exploration of the Nature of the Relationships between Fundraisers, Donors and the Charities They Support” will be published this fall in the book Voices from the Voluntary Sector: Provocative Perspectives on Leadership (University of Toronto Press). 

Media Information:

Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7167

Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7169

Fax: 819 776-7187