Wendy Fisher

Versatile fundraising professional with 20 years of increased responsibility driving and executing fundraising efforts and special events for several leading cultural institutions. Lifelong arts enthusiast with proven success in creating innovative strategies and harnessing the talent of leadership teams, volunteers, and committees to increase organizational capacity and exceed fundraising goals. Working knowledge of French and Italian.

• Co-Founded of the French American School of Denver, Denver’s first and only public French immersion program.
• Produced first ever virtual benefit and online benefit auction for the American Academy in Rome, exceeding fundraising goal by over 60K during the pandemic.
• Secured President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as Honorary Chairs for American Ballet Theatre’s 2009 Spring Gala raising $1.5M, at which Mrs. Obama gave her first public speech on arts education.
• Exceeded fundraising goal by more than $100k for The New York Botanical Garden, securing $3.24M within first 6 months on the job.
• Created the most successful Winter Wonderland Ball in the event’s 10-year history at NYBG through new e-marketing initiatives, corporate sponsorship, and expansion of benefit committee.
• Secured leadership gift of $150k to underwrite The Innovative Initiative, a new gala event raising $500K for American Ballet Theatre that showcased original works choreographed by company dancers.
• Led the execution of the first contemporary art auction at the Met Opera raising $1.8M.

• Co-Founded of the French American School of Denver, Denver’s first and only public French immersion program.
• Produced first ever virtual benefit and online benefit auction for the American Academy in Rome, exceeding fundraising goal by over 60K during the pandemic.
• Secured President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as Honorary Chairs for American Ballet Theatre’s 2009 Spring Gala raising $1.5M, at which Mrs. Obama gave her first public speech on arts education.
• Exceeded fundraising goal by more than $100k for The New York Botanical Garden, securing $3.24M within first 6 months on the job.
• Created the most successful Winter Wonderland Ball in the event’s 10-year history at NYBG through new e-marketing initiatives, corporate sponsorship, and expansion of benefit committee.
• Secured leadership gift of $150k to underwrite The Innovative Initiative, a new gala event raising $500K for American Ballet Theatre that showcased original works choreographed by company dancers.
• Led the execution of the first contemporary art auction onstage at the Metropolitan Opera which raised $1.8M.
• Launched the opening night gala for Anthony Minghella’s Madama Butterfly securing $6M and gaining recognition as one of the most successful opening night events at the Metropolitan Opera.