Gallery News: Recognizing Kate Halpenny

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Good afternoon,

I am writing to let you know that – after 7 years of extraordinary achievement – Kate Halpenny, Chief Development Officer, has decided to leave the AGO. Her last day is February 5th.

I say this with some sadness, as I have personally enjoyed working with Kate, but at the same time I understand her desire to achieve more balance in life, and to seek other adventures.

She joined the AGO in the summer of 2019 and since then her list of accomplishments is amazing:

  • With a team of professionals largely built during Kate’s tenure, more than $150M+ has been raised in support of AGO 2028, including the Dani Reiss Modern & Contemporary Gallery
  • The Power of Art philanthropic campaign to support the AGO’s financial resiliency during the pandemic
  • $12M raised for the Free Annual Pass
  • Funds raised to support public commissions – Brian Jungen’s Couch Monster and Thomas J. Price’s Moments Contained – as well as works of art acquisitions supported by the Women’s Art Initiative
  • Launched the International Art Circle and developed Art Bash into an epic fundraising event earning a record $1.4M+ for the AGO’s 125th anniversary gala
  • Strengthened and expanded the AGO’s corporate partnerships such as RBC’s Signature Partnership, $2.5M sponsorship from BMO, TD’s support of the Art of Global Africa and the Diaspora department, among others
  • Worked with all 3 AGO boards (AGO; The AGO Foundation; American Friends of the AGO), 4 fundraising committees, and supported the donor membership program of 6 curatorial committees
  • Helped facilitate more than $150M donations of works of art

Kate has been a great leader of her team, leading through strategic intent, kindness, and connectivity. She was also an integral member of the Joint Working Committee this past year, helping to establish the AGO’s new values.

I am deeply grateful for Kate’s many contributions to the AGO, including on the Leadership Team, where she has applied thoughtful, strategic, and invaluable input into the AGO’s campaign and operational priorities.

The Chief Development Officer is a key partner for the Director & CEO. I truly enjoyed our partnership, and I admire Kate’s professionalism, integrity, and kindness. Her commitment to culture is profound.

In the new year, we will share next steps for development leadership that continues to build on the AGO’s strong philanthropic work.

Stephan