WASHINGTON, DC.- Dorothy Kosinski, director of The Phillips Collection, announced today the appointment of Kara Mullins as the museum's new director of development. Mullins brings a deep understanding of the Washington, D.C. arts community from her experience as a senior development officer at the National Gallery of Art, where she has worked in various capacities for nearly a decade. Mullins begins her new role at the Phillips on Jan. 4, 2010.

"Kara impressed us all with her intelligence, poise, and elegant presence," says Kosinski, "We look forward to introducing her into the Phillips community and working with her in realizing our ambitious goals."

During her tenure as a senior development officer at the National Gallery of Art, Mullins was responsible for raising $5 million annually, and managing all aspects of
annual giving: special events, yearly meetings, member trips, and cultivation visits to artist studios and embassies. Mullins created and coordinated donor solicitation and stewardship strategies to identify and cultivate annual major donors. Previously, she worked as a project coordinator for Gucci America, Inc., travelling to all Gucci stores to supervise projects and track renovations.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees of The Phillips Collection, let me say how pleased I am that Kara is joining the already world-class staff assembled under the exceptional leadership of Dorothy Kosinski," says George Vradenburg, chairman. "As a star on our nation's cultural stage, the Phillips offers donors high-value returns on their investments. And, with Kara, we add a passionate and articulate ambassador to the philanthropic community whose support is so essential to our success."

Mullins lived in Saudi Arabia for ten years and graduated from London Central High School in England. She earned a bachelor"s degree from Marymount University and completed graduate work at Georgetown University.

"I am thrilled to be joining The Phillips Collection as its new director of development," says Mullins. "The Phillips is one of Washington"s most beloved cultural jewels, and I look forward to working with its leadership and staff in sustaining the museum"s success in the years ahead."