MIAMI — September 24, 2025 — Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is pleased to announce the appointment of Cheryl Mendelson as Chief Advancement Officer. Mendelson, a seasoned nonprofit executive, comes to Vizcaya at a pivotal time with more than two decades of leadership experience in philanthropy, fundraising campaigns, marketing, and cultural partnerships across Chicago and Florida.
In her new role, Mendelson will lead Vizcaya’s advancement strategy, overseeing fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic initiatives as the museum prepares for the next chapter of its growth and preservation with revitalization and upcoming launch of Vizcaya Village, the estate’s original farm and village.
“Cheryl brings an extraordinary record of success in advancing mission-driven organizations through transformative fundraising and strategic partnerships,” said Joel Hoffman, Executive Director and CEO of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. “Her depth of experience will be invaluable as Vizcaya strengthens its philanthropic vision and prepares for an ambitious next chapter.”
As Chief Advancement Officer at Vizcaya, Mendelson will oversee fundraising, donor relations, and campaign planning, while strengthening community and institutional partnerships. Reporting to Executive Director Joel Hoffman, she will play a central role in shaping Vizcaya’s future and ensuring philanthropic resources support its long-term preservation and impact.
“It is an honor to join Vizcaya at such a meaningful moment,” said Mendelson. “This National Historic Landmark is a cultural treasure for Miami and beyond. I look forward to working with the board, staff, and community to advance its mission and secure its future.”
Mendelson previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, where she led a $300 million public-private partnership with the City of Sarasota and raised more than $33 million in private philanthropy. Earlier, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Harris Theater in Chicago’s Millennium Park, she helped build its national reputation, launched innovative programs including MIX at SIX and Beyond the Aria, and expanded community access to the arts.
She also held senior leadership roles at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where she led campaigns totaling more than $150 million and secured a $100 million Department of Defense research collaboration, and at the Erikson Institute, where she completed a $58 million campaign for mental health services, endowment growth, and curriculum innovation. Most recently, through Mendelson Nonprofit Consulting, she advised cultural and educational organizations in Miami, Palm Beach, and Chicago.
She is a member of the International Women’s Forum, Partners for Art + Design Miami, and Philanthropy Miami. Mendelson earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Management Institute Certificate from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Vizcaya’s appointment of Mendelson reflects its growing commitment to advancing community partnerships, expanding philanthropic support, and investing in the future of this cultural landmark.
ABOUT VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Miami, originally built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter estate of James Deering. Open as a public museum since 1953, this European-inspired estate welcomes 400,000 visitors annually and includes a Main House filled with decorative arts,10 acres of formal gardens, native forests, and mangrove shores.
On the west side of the property, the historic Vizcaya Village, which offers a Sunday farmers market and new Village Café, is being restored to support new community programs, including urban agriculture.
Located at 3251 South Miami Avenue (with the Village across the street at 3250 South Miami Avenue), Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.vizcaya.org.
MEDIA CONTACT | For general media inquiries, please email marketing@vizcaya.org.
