Trust for the National Mall Names Robert Lee Balthaser as New VP of Development

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Trust for the National Mall

Washington, DC - -The Trust for the National Mall announced today that it welcomes Robert Lee Balthaser as its new Vice President of Development.

"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Robert Lee Balthaser as our Vice President of Development," said Trust for the National Mall President Caroline Cunningham. "Robert will be an invaluable asset to the Trust and brings more than seventeen years of fundraising experience to our growing organization. I look forward to working with Robert to raise the $500 million needed to make the National Mall the most beautiful park in the world."

Robert Lee Balthaser is a successful leader of multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns. The Reading, Pennsylvania native has directed efforts for organizations as diverse as the nationally recognized American Foundation for AIDS Research and the prestigious New York University's Child Study Center. Most recently, he served as the Director of the Campaign for Scholarships for the University of Maryland's billion dollar fundraising campaign. Previously, he was the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy at Pace University.

"Robert has been a tremendous asset to the University of Marylandand its Office of Scholarship Development," said University of Maryland Vice President for University Relations, Brodie Remington. "He has skillfully and successfully led our overall scholarship fundraising effort, including our campaign to raise $350 million in support for Maryland students. Robert will be missed very much, but we wish him all the best as he begins his new position at the Trust for the National Mall."

The National Mall is the nation's premier national park suffering from over 30 years of neglect and dwindling resources. The current deferred maintenance budget is $350 million, and the Trust estimates that the park needs an additional $150 million in visitor improvements. The Trust for the National Mall's is the authorized partner of the National Park Service with a goal to make the National Mall the best park in the world. For more information on the Trust for the National Mall, please visit www.nationalmall.org.