Riccardo Salmona (Photo by Martha Flach)

Riccardo Salmona has been appointed as Juilliard's vice president for development and public affairs, the School announced last month. Mr. Salmona, whose appointment is effective on March 19, succeeds Anthony J. Newman, who retired after four years in the position. As the new vice president, Mr. Salmona will oversee the Development Office, including the Juilliard Second Century Fund, as well as the Communications, Concert, National Advancement and Alumni Relations, and Publications offices.

In announcing the appointment, President Joseph W. Polisi remarked, "I am extremely enthusiastic about the experience, leadership skills, creativity, and energy that I know Riccardo Salmona will bring to Juilliard. I know that he will help us build further on our current strong team in Development and Public Affairs, and that he will be an excellent colleague to those at every level of the organization."

Mr. Salmona comes to Juilliard from the World Monuments Fund, an international organization dedicated to the preservation of architectural and cultural heritage sites around the world, where he has been vice president for external affairs since 2004. He is familiar to many at Juilliard from his previous position as deputy director of the Lincoln Center Development Corporation from 2002-04, where he managed Lincoln Center's participation in the renovation and expansion of Juilliard and the redesign of 65th Street, as well as Lincoln Center's own Alice Tully and Avery Fisher halls.

From 1994-2002, Mr. Salmona was deputy director of the American Folk Art Museum, where he managed a successful $34.5 million capital campaign and supervised the construction of a new 30,000-square-foot museum facility on West 53rd Street. Prior to his appointment at the museum, Mr. Salmona spent almost 20 years in the business sector, specializing in fine arts and real estate. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and philosophy from Fordham University.

"The most rewarding aspect of my work with the Lincoln Center Development Corporation three years ago was my time devoted to Juilliard's expansion project," Mr. Salmona said. "For me, the project combined all the key components necessary to produce truly great results—a renowned institution, led by a bold board of trustees, together with a strong senior management team whose tremendous intelligence and great passion allowed them to stay focused on fulfilling their vision for an even greater institution. In returning now to Juilliard in my new capacity, I realize I have some very big shoes to fill. However, I look forward to the numerous opportunities and challenges ahead, and to working with the board, staff, and all the members of the Juilliard community to help make this vision come alive."

Mr. Newman leaves Juilliard after 10 years at the School. From 1997-2002 he was director of The Campaign for Juilliard (now the Juilliard Second Century Fund), taking on the vice presidency in January 2003.

"While there is an inevitable sense of sadness in saying goodbye to a great job, exceptional colleagues, and an institution whose purpose is as essential as breathing to the kind of world I want to live in, I am excited by the new chances that will open in front of me," Mr. Newman said. "My future will be greatly influenced by the experiences and friendships made possible by my time at Juilliard.

"The School is fortunate in having Riccardo Salmona as its new vice president for development and public affairs. His knowledge of Juilliard, gained in his time with the Lincoln Center Development Corporation, his commitment to the arts, and his experience as a fund-raiser and administrator mean that this key work at Juilliard is in the best of hands for the future."