Atlanta Ballet Appointed New Development Chief
The company selected Zachary Brown to lead its philanthropic efforts ahead of its upcoming centennial celebration.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Dance
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The Atlanta Ballet Board of Trustees has appointed Zachary Brown as its new chief development officer. Brown joins the organization to drive financial stability and community engagement as the company approaches its 100th anniversary.
Why it matters
The organization aims to leverage Brown's experience to transform its prestige and audience growth into sustained philanthropic support. This move is designed to secure the company's financial future as it prepares for its centennial milestone.
Brown previously increased major-gift revenue at WABE from $600,000 to over $3 million and secured $1 million in planned giving commitments. The Atlanta Ballet currently serves 1,500 students annually.
The players
Zachary Brown
He is the new chief development officer of the Atlanta Ballet who previously led fundraising initiatives at WABE.
Atlanta Ballet
Founded in 1929, it is a professional dance company that operates a center serving 1,500 students annually.
WABE
This is a public media organization where Brown served as the executive vice president of development.
The details
Brown brings 15 years of experience in donor cultivation and stewardship to the role. He previously held development leadership positions at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Habitat for Humanity International, Communities In Schools of Atlanta, and Hands On Atlanta.
Timeline
The Atlanta Ballet was founded in 1929.
The Centre for Dance Education opened in 1996.
The appointment of Zachary Brown was announced on September 28, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The hire reflects a broader trend among major arts organizations to prioritize high-level development professionals to ensure fiscal longevity. It aligns with strategies used by legacy institutions to translate long-term prestige into sustainable modern revenue streams.
The initiative aims to bolster the company's financial stability, which supports the continued operation of the Centre for Dance Education. Students and families participating in the organization's programs will benefit from the long-term sustainability efforts led by the new development chief.
The takeaway
Nonprofit arts organizations often shift toward aggressive donor cultivation as they approach significant historical milestones. Donors and patrons can expect a greater emphasis on planned giving and major-gift campaigns as the ballet seeks to secure its next century of operation.
Further reading
For more information on the local arts scene, visit the Dance section.
More information
Learn more about the company's programs and upcoming seasons on the Atlanta Ballet official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cobb Courier.
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