HENDERSON, NEV.- The Neon Museum named long-time employee Jennifer Kleven to lead the museum’s development department as its senior development officer.

Kleven has been with The Neon Museum for 12 years in a variety of roles ranging from a volunteer after finishing college to most recently, its grants manager. Kleven was also an integral member of the team that opened the museum at its current location on Las Vegas Boulevard in downtown Las Vegas in 2012.

“Jennifer has a comprehensive understanding of the Museum’s fundraising needs and how to articulate them in a way that will engage our donors and support our continued growth,” said Aaron Berger, executive director of The Neon Museum. “Her strategic vision, longstanding dedication to the Museum, and leadership position within our local arts community made her the obvious choice to lead the Museum’s development efforts.”

Kleven was also recently named the vice chair of the city of Las Vegas Arts Commission and the President of the Nevada Museums Association.

“I am very proud to have been a part of The Neon Museum and help support its development over the years into a world-class cultural destination,” said Kleven. “It has been exciting to see the Museum’s incredible changes over the years, many of which wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of its dedicated donors. I am honored to take on this new role and always eager to promote and enhance arts and culture throughout our unique city and state.”

Kleven holds a bachelor’s degree in art history and Bachelor of Fine Arts in art from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. From 2010-2013 she operated Kleven Contemporary, a gallery exhibiting emerging artists in downtown Las Vegas, and in 2018, she was selected as the WESTAF Emerging Leader of Color for the state of Nevada. An arts administrator, artist, curator, and advocate, she strives to expand access to arts and culture for under-resourced communities and seeks innovative ways to bring the arts to new audiences. In her spare time, she enjoys curating exhibits and workshops as part of GULCH Collective as well as gardening, creating ceramic art, getting outdoors, and visiting museums.