Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Names Kate Samy Vice President & Chief Development Officer

Susan M. Crockett, Ruth Eckerd Hall President & CEO and the Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Board of Directors announced the appointment of Kate Samy as Vice President & Chief Development Officer of Ruth Eckerd Hall Inc., to support its namesake venue, the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts, the Murray Theatre, The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre and The Sound located in downtown Clearwater.

In making the announcement, Crockett commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Kate to our executive team.  She brings not only solid fundraising experience, her background and zeal for the arts makes her a dynamic fit with our mission and our donors.”

Ray Bouchard, Ruth Eckerd Hall Chairman of the Board also commented, “Kate brings the enthusiasm, appreciation for the arts, and the compassion for our donors and patrons that will make her a perfect fit at Ruth Eckerd Hall.” 
 

In response Kate said, "I’m both humbled and honored that the leadership of Ruth Eckerd Hall has entrusted me with this key role in fulfilling the mission and securing the future of one of Florida’s premier performing arts organizations. The opportunity to collaborate with Susan, our esteemed board of directors, our talented executive leadership team, and our very generous community of supporters is nothing short of inspiring. I look forward to working closely with them all as we embark on our next chapter of development and philanthropy."
 

In her most recent position, Kate held the pivotal role of Director of Advancement at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. As the chief fundraiser, she played a central role in orchestrating the museum’s financial support. Her responsibilities extended across various crucial areas of contributed income, including managing major gifts, overseeing membership initiatives, coordinating special events, securing grants, and also supervising the museum’s rental department. This comprehensive role showcased her adeptness not only in cultivating donor relationships and securing vital funding but also in ensuring the success and efficiency of diverse revenue streams and operational aspects within the institution.   

Prior to the museum, Kate was the Associate Director of Development at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. While at USF, she secured multiple major gifts for facility renovations, student support, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility initiatives, with a focus on the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance and the College of the Arts.  
 

Kate began her career with the Allstate Sugar Bowl Committee in New Orleans where she played a key role in orchestrating large-scale, high-profile, sporting events and creating exceptional VIP experiences.   
 

Kate is a sixth-generation Floridian. A graduate of the University of Florida, she earned two degrees there, a Bachelor of Science in Event and Hospitality Management and a Masters in Management from the Hough Graduate School of Business.