Hudson River Museum is pleased to announce that Robert Panzera has been appointed Assistant Director, Development. He will oversee the development and membership team, leading all aspects of fundraising, including support from foundations, individuals, corporations, and government agencies, and leading the Fund for HRM major gifts campaign. He will also oversee all fundraising events, including Members’ openings, the Gala, and other cultivation events.

Rob brings more than seventeen years of experience in fundraising, events, and outreach for nonprofits in New York and California. He recently served as Director of Development at Bedford Playhouse, Bedford, NY. In this role, Rob focused on creating a more relationship-driven, donor-centric fundraising strategy to build new corporate partnerships and invigorate donor engagement.

Prior to Bedford Playhouse, Rob served as Founder and President of CCSD Sport Event, Board Member Emeritus of San Diego VeloYouth, and Founder and Board President of Rockland Shared Streets. He brings energy and motivation to fundraising initiatives focused on both corporations and individuals. Rob stated, “I am delighted to join the senior team at the Hudson River Museum, as I love to connect with people from varied artistic backgrounds and interests. I look forward to leading and contributing to development initiatives, which continue the Museum’s wonderful pursuit of providing world class art, science, and history exhibitions and programming, along with starting the new venture of the West Wing. I’m lucky to join a well-led, supported team and organization.” Rob has a Bachelors in Anthropology from Purdue University and a Masters in Kinesiology: Biomechanics from San Diego State University. To unwind, he enjoys cycling and volunteering in his community, Nyack, where he lives with his wife and children.

The Assistant Director, Development role is a newly created position, and the result of restructuring of the Advancement Department. Samantha Hoover, who has served as the Deputy Director for Advancement, Communication, and Administration since 2017, has a newly configured role as Deputy Director, Engagement and Operations. In this position, she will continue to oversee effective marketing and communications, exhibition design and interpretation, security and operations, and oversee film shoots. Given the increasing complexity of our exhibition schedule with the pending opening of the West Wing, she will take a more active role in exhibition planning/logistics, management, and production, working closely with the Curatorial Department.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rob Panzera to the HRM, and to work with him to enhance our fundraising initiatives during this new period of growth,” stated Director and CEO Masha Turchinsky. “These changes to our staffing will streamline operations and ensure that the Museum is best positioned to build upon existing programming as well as create new opportunities to fulfill our mission to engage, inspire, and connect diverse communities through the power of the arts, sciences, and history. Please join us in welcoming Rob and Samantha to their new positions!”