Vivian James is the new Director of Development at SOPAC.
The South Orange Performing Arts Center announced the hiring of a new Director of Development, Vivian C.R. James.
James replaces Linda Onorevole, who became Communications & Community Engagement Director with the Gulf Coast Symphony in Fort Myers, Florida in August. Onorevole served as interim Executive Director at SOPAC from August 2012 to March 2013.
James, a resident of Glen Ridge, New Jersey, was most recently the Executive Director of the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison, NJ.
“We are thrilled that Ms. James has accepted the position. Now, more than ever, it is important for us to have a skilled fundraiser who knows how to negotiate the challenges of today’s economy. We feel confident that Ms. James will take us to the next level in our development efforts,” stated SOPAC Executive Director Mark Packer in a release.
As the Executive Director of the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, James raised funds to launch a $2 million major historic preservation project. Her fundraising career has also included positions at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the Greater Newark Conservancy, the Communication for Social Change Consortium and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
SOPAC Board of Governors Chairman Anthony J. Leitner lauded James in the release: “The search committee was unanimous in its decision to hire Ms. James. There is no question that she will be an outstanding addition to the staff and the entire Board looks forward to working with her to achieve our goals.”
James currently serves on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Association of Museums and the New Jersey History Advocates, and is a reviewer for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Seton Hall University and a BFA from Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY).
