Willard E. White
Senior Consultant & Principal
Leader, Arts & Culture Practice Group
Education: Denison University, B.A.
The University of Chicago, M.A. and Ph.D.
Residence: Phoenix, AZ/Chicago, IL
Professional Experience
Willard joined Marts & Lundy in 2004, bringing with him thirty-five years of experience in the nonprofit
sector as college teacher, fundraiser, senior manager and fundraising consultant. Willard joined the
Campaign staff at the University of Chicago in 1976, and served as executive director of development for
Illinois Institute of Technology, vice president for development at The Newberry Library, and vice president
for institutional advancement at The Field Museum of Chicago. At these institutions, Willard helped design
and execute fund drives that realized over $900 million in total gifts from private sources.
In 1991, Willard was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the Benjamin Franklin
Award for career success in development. Willard has served as a Board member and advisor for a number
of organizations in the States and abroad, including the Illinois Humanities Council, the Stratford
Shakespeare Festival of America, and the Association of Midwest Museums. Willard serviced on the Marts
& Lundy Board of Directors from 2007 through 2010 and currently serves on the firm’s Management
Council.
Representative List of Clients Served
American Refugee Committee MN
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Belcourt Theatre, TN
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Zoological Society
Desert Botanical Garden, AZ
Environmental Defense Fund, NY
The Field Museum, IL
Grand Canyon Association, AZ
Institute for Justice, VA
John G. Shedd Aquarium, IL
Lyric Opera of Chicago
National World War II Museum, LA
Museum of Contemporary Art, IL
Phoenix Symphony
Royal Botanic Gardens, KEW, UK
San Diego Museum of Natural History, CA
Spoleto Festival USA, SC
Tennessee State Museum
Translational Genomics Institute, AZ
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
University of Arizona
Van Cliburn Foundation, TX
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts