Rhett Wilson Named New Vice President of Development
Washington D.C. —
The White House Historical Association announced today the naming of Rhett Wilson as Vice President of Development. Wilson joins the Association after a distinguished career in fundraising for business schools. Most recently he served as the Associate Dean for Development for the John Hopkins University Carey Business School.
“Connecting individuals and organizations to our mission to preserve, protect, and provide access to White House history is essential to our work as the private, nonprofit partner to the White House,” said Stewart D. McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association. “Rhett’s experience will be a tremendous asset as we have established the first development team in the Association’s fifty-five year history.”
Under McLaurin’s leadership the Association has expanded its outreach efforts through dynamic partnerships, including with the Washington Nationals and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America; expanded publications to include additional titles and collaborations with Blair House and Tudor Place; launching a state-of-the-art digital library for White House images; opening the revitalized White House Visitor Center; and numerous other exciting projects. The creation of a development team under Wilson’s leadership will enable the Association to continue its energetic endeavors.
During his tenure with John Hopkins’ Carey Business School, Wilson increased fundraising efforts by 500 percent, secured two $4 million gifts, was instrumental in the establishment of the school’s first endowed chair, dramatically expanded alumni and student support, and created alumni clubs in multiple cities around the globe.
Previously, he served as the Assistant Dean of Development at the George Mason University School of Business where he also had tremendous success, increasing giving by 700 percent. Before his appointment at George Mason, Wilson was the Director of Corporate Relations for the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, where he co-founded the Investment Banking Industry Scholars program, which was recognized by Bloomberg Businessweek.
Wilson is a graduate of Arizona State University and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
About the White House Historical Association
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.
