(Berkeley, CA) November 2, 2017—The UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) announced today the appointment of Sylvia Bennett as its new Director of Development. Bennett, a California native, brings to BAMPFA three decades of experience as a development professional working in public broadcasting, most recently as Senior Vice President of Development and Corporate Communications at WNED | WBFO in Buffalo, NY.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sylvia to BAMPFA’s leadership team, where we know she’ll be successful at expanding our donor base and pursuing our ambitious fundraising goals,” said BAMPFA Director and Chief Curator Lawrence Rinder. “Sylvia has a distinguished track record of accomplishment in building new connections with supporters and community partners, and we’re excited to see her continue this record of success at BAMPFA.”

A UC Berkeley alumna who began her career at San Francisco’s KQED, Bennett has held senior leadership positions at the PBS corporate headquarters and the Washington, DC station WETA prior to her decade-long tenure at WNED | WBFO, which serves the Western New York and Southern Ontario region. She has experience with a wide portfolio of responsibilities ranging from fundraising development to production, programming, special events, and volunteer services. She begins her role at BAMPFA this month.

"I'm thrilled to join BAMPFA and its world-class professional team. The Berkeley's Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is internationally renowned for its high-caliber exhibits, film presentations, and education programs, and I am proud to work for this organization," said Bennett. "It will be rewarding to connect with current BAMPFA supporters and to bring others—who may not be aware of all we have to offer—into our community."