UPAF provides millions of dollars in support to Southeastern Wisconsin arts orgs.

The United Performing Arts Fund, a nonprofit, umbrella organization that supports 36 performing arts groups in Southeastern Wisconsin through its annual fundraising campaign, has hired Penny Gutekunst as its chief development officer.

UNITED PERFORMING ARTS FUND ANNOUNCES HIRING OF CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Milwaukee, WI (February 7, 2012) - The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), the largest united arts fund in the country for the performing arts, announced the hiring of Penny Gutekunst as its Chief Development Officer.

Gutekunst comes to UPAF from Children's Hospital Health System and Foundation, where she spent the last ten years, most recently serving as the Senior Director of Development for Campaign Operations. She spent the last 15 years working in the nonprofit development field, including positions with UPAF and United Way of Greater Milwaukee. She also spent 18 years in operational management at Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. and Duchow's Marine, Inc. As Chief Development Officer (CDO) for UPAF, she oversees, coordinates and implements the annual UPAF campaign by developing and leading fundraising strategies and activities, working closely with the President and Board. The CDO also oversees the day-to-day responsibilities of the fundraising team, which includes developing and mentoring direct reports. The CDO will create and lead best practices in all development areas of the campaign.

"We are pleased to announce the hiring of Penny Gutekunst and are truly fortunate to have her join our team at UPAF," stated Deanna Tillish, President of UPAF. "Her deep fundraising knowledge, strategic nonprofit development skills, and business and community contacts are a tremendous asset to us as we gear up for the 2012 campaign and beyond," she added.

Gutekunst resides in Brookfield, WI.

About the United Performing Arts Fund:

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is a nonprofit, umbrella organization that supports 36 performing arts groups in Southeastern Wisconsin through its annual fundraising campaign. UPAF is the largest united arts fund in the country for the performing arts and has provided over $234 million in operating support to the performing arts since its inception in 1967. Most recently in 2011, UPAF's annual community-wide fundraising campaign allocated more than $7.5 million to its Member and Affiliate performing arts organizations. For more information, visit www.UPAF.org.