INDIANAPOLIS, IND.- Dr. Charles L. Venable, The Melvin & Bren Simon Director and CEO of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, announced today that Gary Stoppelman has been named the Museum’s Deputy Director for Marketing and External Affairs following an extensive search.

Gary Stoppelman holds a BFA from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and a MBA from Columbia University Business School. He is a non-profit marketing executive with a track record of leading teams through periods of strategic change and transformative growth. Over a 19-year career in non-profits, Stoppelman led marketing efforts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others. Most recently, he served for seven years as the director of marketing for the Art Institute. Stoppelman successfully led marketing efforts during the Modern Wing expansion—which made the Art Institute the second-largest art museum in the U.S. His marketing teams increased and sustained sales by 13 percent and drove annual increases in revenue of 15 percent per year to $13 million. Campaigns developed by Stoppelman’s teams helped set new attendance records and won numerous marketing awards. Stoppelman and his team also developed innovative marketing partnerships with leading brands like Bank of America, Univision, Chase and Lollapalooza that generated incremental reach, engagement and earned media.

Prior to moving to Chicago, Stoppelman spent twelve years helping major non-profits in New York achieve significant growth. From 2006 to 2008, he was the manager of tourism for the #1 tourist attraction in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He generated global coverage for the newly expanded and renovated Greek and Roman Galleries, launched new sales channels that increased revenue by over $1 million and created cross-promotional partnerships with cultural and tourism partners. Stoppelman was the assistant director of marketing at MoMA from 2001 to 2006. He helped develop and execute the marketing plan for the newly expanded Museum, which exceeded prior attendance records by 100 percent. Prior to the re-opening in Manhattan, Stoppelman and his team created a major new cultural destination with MoMA’s temporary home in Queens, MoMA QNS.

In coordination with Venable, Stoppelman will execute and manage the IMA’s marketing, public relations, retail, event and guest services departments. Serving as part of the senior leadership team, he will be responsible for enhancing customer service, identifying new markets, increasing attendance and optimizing earned income. Stoppelman will also develop cohesive and targeted marketing and communications strategies that reflect the IMA’s vision for exceptional guest experiences, a sustainable business model and growth. “I am excited to join a dynamic team and organization in a city where the arts are a leading innovative force," remarked Stoppelman.

“Having worked at three of the world’s most prominent museums, Gary brings to the IMA an extraordinary range of experience that can greatly assist in transitioning the IMA to a more sustainable business model,” commented Venable. “We need to ensure that everyone in our region and beyond knows that the IMA is a great public garden, national historic site, and art and nature park, as well as a great art museum. People need to know that they can spend the day here with friends and family and have experiences with art and nature unlike anywhere else in the country, and Gary can help us do that.”