SALEM, MASS.- Following an extensive national search, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) has announced its appointment of Sue Kim as Chief Philanthropy Officer. With over two decades of experience, Kim has long been a leader in the field of global philanthropy. Known for her dedication to community building and for her ability to forge deep relationships, Kim will serve as chief fundraising strategist and lead a team that increases philanthropic and membership support for PEM's innovative programming, exhibitions and initiatives.

"We are delighted to have Sue Kim join PEM at such an exciting and promising point in planning the museum’s future," said Lynda Roscoe Hartigan, PEM's Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Executive Director and CEO. "Her values, vision and extensive experience align perfectly with PEM’s, and she will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the museum’s long-term sustainability and continued vitality."

Most recently the Head of Global Partnerships and Philanthropy for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s MIT Solve Initiative, Kim led strategic efforts to identify and support tech-based social entrepreneurs from around the world who are tackling some of the most urgent global challenges. Her professional background includes executive positions at Harvard University, the Winsor School, Boston Children’s Museum and the Red Cross, as well as international foundations and grassroots organizations. Kim’s purpose-driven career has led her to numerous speaking and teaching engagements, where she shares her expertise on philanthropy, nonprofit management, business development, women and people of color in leadership, social and global impact and the importance of mentorship.

“I am honored to join PEM’s leadership team and to begin to forge the important, authentic relationships and connections that will help advance the museum,” said Kim. “It is tremendously heartening to see what can be accomplished through true collaboration, cooperation and innovation. I can’t wait to begin.”

Kim holds a master’s degree in education with a focus on administration, planning and social policy from Harvard University. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in international relations with a focus on East Asia and English literature from Boston University.

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

Over the last 20 years, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) has distinguished itself as one of the fastest-growing art museums in North America. Founded in 1799, it is also the country’s oldest continuously operating museum. At its heart is a mission to enrich and transform people's lives by broadening their perspectives, attitudes and knowledge of themselves and the wider world. PEM celebrates outstanding artistic and cultural creativity through exhibitions, programming and special events that emphasize cross-cultural connections, integrate past and present and underscore the vital importance of creative expression. The museum's collection is among the finest of its kind, including superlative works from around the globe and across time — American art and architecture, Asian and Asian export art, maritime, Native American, contemporary, Oceanic, and African art, fashion and textiles and photography, as well as one of the nation’s most important museum-based collections of rare books and manuscripts. PEM's campus offers a varied and unique visitor experience with hands-on creativity zones, interactive opportunities and performance spaces. Twenty-two noted historic structures grace PEM’s campus, including Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old Chinese home that is the only example of Chinese domestic architecture in the United States.