Wanda Willis welcomed to the Cummer Museum

Wanda Willis

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is pleased to welcome Wanda Willis as Director of Community Development, a significant appointment that will support the Museum’s vision of being one of the country’s most relevant and accessible art museums.  Her tenure begins on February 3, 2020.

Strengthening the Museum’s efforts to be an inclusive arts and culture institution for all, the Director of Community Development will be the Museum’s senior outreach officer, and will be responsible for extending the Museum’s brand, mission and identity into the Northeast Florida community — and, in collaboration with the CEO, inviting the community into the Museum.

“Ninah Cummer imagined that the Museum she founded would be a ‘center of beauty and culture for all of Jacksonville,’” said the Cummer Museum’s George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director & Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adam Levine.  “The Director of Community Development is a structural addition to the Museum’s staff that ensures we achieve our founder’s inclusive vision, and there is no person better-suited for this role than Wanda Willis. Her reputation and accomplishments in this community speak for themselves, and her dedicated track record of strengthening some of Jacksonville’s anchor institutions will add tremendous value to the Cummer.”

A leader with extensive experience in relationship development and strategic planning, and a supporter of arts and culture in Jacksonville, Willis will lead the Museum’s efforts to cultivate meaningful partnerships with various stakeholder institutions and promote strong community engagement.  Most recently, Willis worked at the Florida State College at Jacksonville Foundation as Associate Director of Development for Major Gifts; previously, she served Edward Waters College as Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement.  She currently is president of the Bold City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and has served on numerous boards and committees for organizations that include WJCT, Teach for America, Women’s Giving Alliance, Junior League of Jacksonville and the Bridge of Northeast Florida.

“The vision of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is to be a vital partner that connects diverse audiences and is inclusive and representative of our community,” said Wanda Willis. “I am both honored and thrilled to be a part of the team, enhancing the work they already have done to enrich our community and create an institution for all to enjoy and experience.  I look forward to fostering a sense of belonging among our audiences, connecting visitors to the arts, gardens and each other, creating new relationships with engaged partners and, most importantly, welcoming everyone to the Museum.”

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
  829 Riverside Avenue
  Jacksonville, Florida 32204
  (904) 356-6857
  Hours of Operation & Admission