Sonia Winner Joins Museum as Chief Development Officer

Sonia Winner Joins Museum as CDO

Sonia Winner is returning home to Cleveland as the new Chief Development Officer for The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. She was recently the Vice President for University Development for Columbia University, and will join the Museum to lead the Campaign and development efforts.

“We are so excited to have Sonia join our team to lead our Campaign and Development efforts. She is a creative and dynamic individual who brings knowledge, expertise and a great passion for the Museum and our mission,” said Dr. Evalyn Gates, Executive Director and CEO of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Sonia has been with Columbia University since 2011, initially as Deputy Vice President for Development, Professional Schools and Programs, before being promoted to her current role in 2014. During her tenure at Columbia University, she led their strategic effort to refocus and expand global fundraising activities, and was part of the senior development team that raised over $6.1 billion in a comprehensive campaign — one of the largest in higher education history.

Winner has extensive development experience in Cleveland; she spent 8 years at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Law in several key positions, including Associate Dean for Leadership Outreach and Strategic Initiatives. In 2007 she was recruited to the Weatherhead School of Management at CWRU, serving as Associate Dean for External Relations for over four years before leaving to join Columbia University.

“The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is a treasured part of the University Circle cultural hub,” said Winner.  “I can think of no higher honor than working to further philanthropic support for a remarkable institution, which invites all members of our community to explore the natural world and to understand the importance of conservation, science education, and scientific discovery.”  

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History recently completed Phase I of its expansion and is currently planning for the rest of its $150 million development and renovation, due for completion in 2020, the institution's centennial year. The Museum seeks to transform its University Circle campus to better connect its visitors to science and nature and help them advocate for finding solutions to the emerging environmental and scientific issues of this century. The transformation of the museum will allow it to enhance its world-class scientific research and academic programs and continue to grow its reputation as a key resource on environmental issues, both local and global.

Winner began her role on January 3, in a museum considered as one of the top ten natural history museums in the United States. “I am excited to be back in Cleveland to do this important work for our region and to further its renaissance,” said Winner.