Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Names New Development Director

A note from the : 

The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art welcomes Jessica Rege Thomason back to the Museum as the full-time Director of Development.  Thomason served the Museum as Development and Marketing Manager from 2006 to 2009 where her work was critically important in raising exhibition reserve and other operating and program funding; implementing the “Corporate Patron of the Arts” program; and developing the “Mix” events.  She successfully secured a National Endowment for the Arts grant as well as managed and secured several media sponsorships.

A Sonoma native, Thomason says, "I look forward to returning to the town I grew up in and working with SVMA to bring diverse cultural experiences to the community.  My passion for development in non-profit arts institutions originated at SVMA.  It is exciting to return and be a part of SVMA's unique mission and vision."

Thomason will oversee and implement all fundraising activities, including an annual strategic fundraising plan, the cultivation of individual and corporate donors, and corporate and foundation grant awards.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jessica back to SVMA.  Her love for the community as well as her philanthropic experience make her the ideal choice for us,” says SVMA Executive Director Kate Eilertsen, who worked with her at the end of her prior tenure at the Museum.  “She is fully capable of increasing the Museum’s financial stability and we all look forward to working with her.”

Most recently, Thomason held the position of Development and Marketing Manager at the Art Center of Corpus Christi, TX.  She successfully increased donor revenue from their annual fund, and improved legacy and major gift giving. 

She holds a B.A. in Communications Studies from Westmont College, Santa Barbara, and is currently enrolled in a Master of Science, Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy at Bay Path College.