Charles Katzenmeyer

Vice President, Institutional Advancement

Institutional Advancement
Science Focus
    Topic(S)

      Charles Katzenmeyer returned to the Field Museum in March 2013 as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. In this role, he oversees Museum-wide development, government relations and a membership community of 50,000 households.

      From 2002 to 2013, Mr. Katzenmeyer was senior vice president for external affairs at the Adler Planetarium, the first planetarium in the western hemisphere. In this role, he led the institution’s Lift-Off! Campaign (2006–2011), an initiative that surpassed its original goal by 54%. Previously, he was chief development officer at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, the most visited museum in the world. Earlier in his career, he served as campaign director at the Field and held development positions at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the American Bar Association, and Northwestern University, all in Chicago.

      Mr. Katzenmeyer received an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he also attended college. In May, he was elected chair of the Development and Membership Professional Network of the American Alliance of Museums. Additional current volunteer commitments include House Corporation Board President for Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at Northwestern. Mr. Katzenmeyer is a past president of the Northwestern Alumni Association and past member of the University’s Board of Trustees. He has been active in the past with AboutFace Theatre Company, American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Chicago House, Social Service Agency, Cloud 42 Theatre Company, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Doorways (St. Louis, MO), Howard Brown Health Center, Inspiration Corporation, Roycemore School and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

      Education and Work

      Northwestern University, MBA, 1989, Marketing and Management

      Northwestern University, BA, 1985, Political Science

      Accomplishments

      American Alliance of Museums

      Board of Directors

      • Member (2020-present)

      American Alliance of Museums

      Development and Membership Professional Network

      • Chair (2013-2016)
      • Program Chair (2011-2013)
      • Treasurer (2007-2011)

      Association of Fundraising Professionals/Chicago

      • Honoree, Benjamin Franklin Award (2012)
      • Co-Chair, Philanthropy Awards Luncheon (2008, 2009)
      • Member (1992 – present)